$100k gift: ‘We don’t want naira’ – Super Falcons reject NFF’s proposal

The Super Falcons have declined to accept the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) proposal to disburse President Bola Tinubu’s $100,000 gift to the team in Naira, emphasising instead their preference to receive the funds in United States dollars.

Sports analyst Aron Akerejola, during an appearance on Arise TV, clarified that the ongoing issue regarding the delayed bonuses is not attributable to any negligence on the part of the NFF, but rather stems from the players’ refusal to accept payment in the local currency.

Aron Akerejola stated, “The aspect of the situation that is not being reported is that the funds were indeed provided to the players. The NFF had suggested compensating them in Naira at the rate of ₦1,530 to a dollar.

However, the players objected, stating, ‘We do not reside in Nigeria. What purpose would Naira serve us?’”

Following this, the NFF forwarded the funds to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for conversion into dollars, which further contributed to the delay.

He emphasized, “This situation does not reflect poorly on the NFF. The government allocated the funds, but the players’ rejection of Naira is the reason for the prolonged process.”

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade previously confirmed that the squad has yet to receive President Tinubu’s $100,000 incentive. “We have not received our funds; however, we remain hopeful that payment will be forthcoming,” she remarked in a recent interview.

President Tinubu announced this reward, in addition to national honors and housing provisions for the team, following their triumph in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.