I was totally flabbergasted
and disgruntled with the statement of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr.
Solomon Dalung, when he said he didn’t
expect the Nigeria national women's football team, nicknamed the Super Falcons to win the continental
trophy for a record of eight (8) times?
Champions, be it local or
international should be celebrated. It’s so unfortunate that the Super
Falcons arrived Nigeria thinking their efforts at the just concluded tournament
will be appreciated but Mr. Solomon Dalung on receiving them, made a demoralizing
and painful statement. Participating in a tournament is not east let to talk of
winning the trophy. For crying out loud, we understand that our beloved country is going through a tough phase but these lads went out there against all odds and triumphed. They
don’t deserve to be treated the way they were treated. Many African nations are
praying to win the trophy at least just once, while over here in Nigeria, those
who sweated and played with passion are treated as ‘spectators’ after being victorious.
The Super Falcons deserve
commendation, it’s true that vast majority of Nigerians congratulated them, but
that was mere verbal compliment when compared to the payment of their bonuses.
Nigeria is in recession but it’s of paramount importance that the welfare of
the players and coaches should be of top importance in the disbursement of
available fund.
I believe the Minister should apologize to these gallant and vibrant patriotic
athletes, who gave their all and won the trophy. Their demands must be met. The
Nigeria Football Federation should pay all unpaid allowances, the National
Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers (NANPF) should also ensure that
they appeal to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay the team all outstanding
allowances to the Super Falcons.
I feel that the of Minister
of Youth Sports Mr. Solomon Dalung should be condemned for saying that adequate
preparation was not made to offset the players’ entitlements because he did not
expect them to win the AWCON Cup.
Now that the Super Falcons
have won the trophy, they should be commended and not condemned, the coaching
crew are not left out.
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