July 25, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation has unequivocally declared its commitment to transparency and accountability in handling the $1.7 million allocated by the Federal Government for the Super Falcons’ participation in the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Urging for financial scrutiny, former Green Eagles winger, Adegoke Adelabu, called on the football house to be prepared to account for the expenditure of the funds after the competition: “The important thing is for them to give an account of how the money was spent after the World Cup. Everything will be clear if they are subjected to forensic auditing of the account at the end of the competition.”
A top official of the NFF shed light on the breakdown of the approved budget in response: “At the initial stage, our request to the Federal Government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development captured winning bonuses for the players. But immediately FIFA came up with its $30,000 for the players, and we wrote another letter to the government to expunge the winning bonuses from the budget.” He further explained that the budget includes provisions for daily allowances for players, winning bonuses, estacode for coaches and technical officials, as well as funds for medical expenses. The official noted that the responsibility for addressing serious medical issues concerning the players lies with FIFA, while the Federation ensures medical support for the team and officials during the competition.
Dr Mohammed Sanusi, the NFF’s Secretary General, hailed the federation’s decision to approve additional support for the Super Falcons. “The technical crew requested a fitness trainer, and we approved it. They also brought one Video Analyst, Dr Terry Eguaje, to this World Cup, and the decision is really helping the team,” Sanusi said. He also expressed confidence in the team’s preparedness.
With the Super Falcons as the only African team to secure a draw in the first round, their upcoming clash with Australia’s Matildas has assumed heightened significance. Nigeria captain Onome Ebi affirmed that the team is keeping their strategies close to their chest and plans to surprise their opponents on the field.
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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
