The row over bonuses that has become the bane of Nigerian football reared its ugly head again after the reigning African Women football champions, the Super Falcons took to the streets in the nation’s capital Abuja to protest the non-payment of their bonuses, having defied the odds to retain their crown at the just ended African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) tournament in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The Falcons defeated host; the Indomitable Lionesses 1-0 at the finals to lift the trophy for a record eight times; and were expected to be treated to a hero’s welcome upon their return home. But two weeks after the continental championship, they have been holed up at the Agura Hotel, Abuja, where they have vowed not to leave until they get their emoluments, including match allowances dating back eight months. This is an unbelievable shame and Nigerians deserve full explanation for this embarrassment.
It is disheartening; even more so, because no one has been held accountable. What a disgrace; where else in the world has such a thing happen? How can a country which lays claim to continental and global prominence; the self-acclaimed giant of Africa be having problems paying bonuses to players who defend the national colors in distant lands and bring home glory; whereas politicians and football administrators steal billions through corruption? Amid the euphoria of victory, the problems of the team were swept under the carpet. But like a festering sore, it came to the open after the victory, which unsurprisingly, many football administration officials shamelessly seized the occasion to blow trumpets and claim undeserved credit from the triumph.
While each of the players is owed as much $16,500 for winning the tournament in Cameroun, they have only been paid N600, 000 each (approximately $1, 900). Aside bonuses that accrue from winning the tournament, the players are also owed bonuses and allowances from the qualifiers leading up to the 2016 AWCON. To the utter embarrassment of the nation, the Falcons, who have been protesting the non-payment of their entitlements, with demonstrations on the streets of the federal capital since they arrived in the city, took their protests to the National Assembly complex on Wednesday. The team, led by skipper Rita Chikwelu, displayed various placards to protest their neglect by the sports ministry and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). At the National Assembly, the Chief of Staff at the Presidency, Abba Kyari, promised they would be paid this week. The Falcons had earlier rejected assurances by Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung that their money would be paid as soon as possible, saying they would not leave Abuja until they got all their emoluments.
The Falcons reportedly took their protests to the national assembly to draw the attention of President Muhammadu Buhari to their plight, since he was expected to present his 2017 budget to the legislators at the complex on Wednesday. The Presidency summoned top Sports Ministry officials and their Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) counterparts to the Presidential Villa following the protest march, but not before images of the players carrying placards bearing messages such as: “We are your children, pity us”; “Let us respect women”; “female football deserves respect” went viral on social media. This, to say the least was pathetic, disgraceful and devoid of any perfunctory exaggeration. It was another blight on the toga of Nigeria’s battered international image which exposed in dramatic fashion, the true character of the country’s leadership.
The ordeal of the Falcons has been an experience abundant in lessons; not the least of which is the lack of focus and seriousness of purpose by NFF officials, who did next to nothing to make sure the Falcons put up an honorable performance at the 2016 AWCON tournament. Although a new vista for progress was opened following their triumph, Nigerian football administrators and political leaders failed to even recognize what the players had achieved, let alone provide the compensation and incentives to spur the girls to greater heights.
The triumph of the Falcons typified the acclaimed resilience of the Nigerian spirit. It is a virtue that found a rebirth with some unlikely heroes who exhibited patriotism, discipline, hard work, tenacity of purpose and faith in themselves. The victory was achieved in spite of the failure by NFF authorities to create the ideal conditions for the team to excel. The team virtually improvised its way to victory against the backdrop of skepticism and cynicism about the capacity of the players, the coaching crew and their preparedness to do battle against more cohesive opponents. The usual lack of focus of NFF also gave little hope of success. However, the AWCON victory was sweet for millions of Nigerians who have yearned for a happy occasion amid the prevailing cheerless political and socio-economic disposition. The occasion proved again that football is one of the country’s foremost unifying factors, providing hope for a brighter future; and making a statement that the citizens are willing to identify with the country if the leaders rise to the challenge of leadership. To whom much is given; much is expected.
The issue of bonuses have become like an elephant waking up after a long slumber, casually brushing itself, and then going back to sleep. Over the years, football administrators have been consumed by selfish ambitions and unbridled quest for material aggrandizement. In the event, not only was football and footballers left to suffer, but the nation was repeatedly robbed of the good feeling that victory brings, and the chance to forge a stronger national cohesion. This alone is sufficient incentive for President Buhari to pay more attention to football in particular.
The greater lesson, therefore, is for sports administrators to wake up to their responsibility, and to understand that Nigeria truly needs football to achieve greatness. But the anticipated turn-around cannot occur without attitudes changing. The Falcons have enormous potential to rebrand Nigeria globally because football has a special significance as a tool for nation-building. They have done their fair share and the country should honor their service, instead of shabbily treating them like beggars. Presidential authority is needed to end this drama that is fast turning into a circus. In the meantime, all outstanding bonuses owed the team and coaches should be paid immediately and new standards set for all future tournaments.
This will save the country the unwarranted embarrassment from the recurring issue of bonuses that characterizes Nigeria’s participation in every international tournament. Nigeria is certainly in dire need of men of character who can stand up for the country at all times. It only needs a rejuvenated leadership spirit. What this entails is an institutionalized culture of excellence in the country.
