The Presidency has promised to pay members of the Super Falcons the allowances owed them by the Nigerian Football Federation, NFF, after winning the African Women Cup of Nations, AWCON, in Cameroun.
Members of the team had taken their protest to the premises of the National Assembly on Wednesday, in order to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari, who is scheduled to be at the assembly complex to present the 2017 budget proposal to the lawmakers.
Some of their placards read, “We are your children, pity us”; “Let us respect women”; “female football deserves respect.”
They, however, could not meet with the President as he had changed the time for his visit from 10am to 2pm.
Nevertheless, Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari, who addressed the footballers promised that all their entitlements would be paid on Friday.
The Super Falcons beat host Cameroun1-0 to lift a record 8th AWCON trophy and had hoped to return home to a proper reception and appreciation.
Their hopes were dashed after they were reportedly dumped at the Agura Hotels in Abuja with the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick and the Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung not doing anything to offset their allowance arrears.
Reports say each of the players is entitled to about $25,000.
The girls, however, returned to their hotel after the Chief of Staff to President Buhari, Abba Kyari, addressed them and promised to offset their bills in two days.
The treatment meted out to the falcons is in sharp contrast to that received by the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon which finished second at the tournament.
The social media has been awash with pictures, videos and stories of the lavish ceremony organized by President Paul Biya to honour the Cameroonian ladies.