From Kemi Yesufu and Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The House of Representatives yesterday joined in condemning the non payment of the allowances and bonuses of the victorious Super Falcons and their coaches.
The national female team won the recently concluded African Women’s Cup of Nations Championship, defeating hosts Cameroon by a goal.
The House therefore called on the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay their backlog of unpaid allowances without further delay.
The House also mandated its Committee on Sport to ensure the Falcons players are fully paid and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
Members of the team had protested at the National Assembly and the presidential villa Wednesday with the Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari promising that all the money owed them will be paid today (Friday).
The resolution by the House followed the adoption of motion sponsored by Ayo Omidiran.
In her lead debate, Omidiran a former sports administrator told the House that members of team have stayed put in their Abuja hotel despite assurances from officials of NFF and the Sports ministry, tracing the actions of the girls to past failed promises.
“They are only asking for their money be paid. In the past they were paid in dollars but now it is in Naira, yet they are not worried but still they are been owned”, Omidiran said.
Lawmakers in their contributions expressed bitterness over Federal Government’s neglect of the Super Falcons.
According to Deputy Minority Leader, Chukwuka Onyema, “Cameroon who were runner up of the championship honoured their players well, talk more of Nigeria that won it. It is shameful.
“This neglect like many others has led talented Nigerians representing other countries”, he said
A standing ovation was thereafter observed by the House in honour of the team.