The Super Falcons of Nigeria did the nation proud once more by winning the African Women Cup of Nations (AWCON) for the 8th time in Cameroon. They defeated the hosts, the Lionesses of Cameroon, 1-0 in a keenly contested final match at the Ahmadu Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on December 3.
Super Falcon’s Desire Oparanozie scored the decisive goal in the 84th minute of the tension-soaked match.  It was probably the only clear chance Nigeria had, but the technique and finesse with which it was taken showed the hallmark of champions.
The Cameroonians, having been beaten by the same team in the last edition of the competition, wanted desperately to reverse their fortunes in the presence of their home audience, their powerful football and political leaders present to cheer them on. The competition was fierce and the odds daunting, especially coming up against a formidable rival, but it was not to be their day, yet again.
We congratulate the Super Falcons and their handlers for winning the coveted trophy. They refused to be distracted by their many months’ of unpaid salaries and other allowances and urged the players to focus on the job at hand. It was the height of professionalism and patriotism.
However, we are deeply saddened by the news of their depressing treatment in the hands of the authorities since their return to the country. They have been sequestered in a hotel at Abuja and even asked to leave the hotel without the payment of their match bonuses and other allowances. There is no word too on the promised national honours and rewards. Is this the way to continue to treat our heroines?
How much do these allowances amount to that the girls are made to face the indignities of continuous postponement?  The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should treat the Super Falcons with respect and dignity. They should not be subjected to this type of shabby treatment. Let this allowance be paid.
The Football officials should not use the present recession as an excuse not to meet the legitimate demands of the Falcons. Doing so is simply not good at all. Surely, an appreciative nation can find the resources to honour its champions if it truly musters the will. From the information available, all  the outstanding allowances are not more than 15,000 USD per player. That is not the kind of money that will dig a hole on the nation’s pocket. So, why the hesitation  to pay them their legitimate allowances?
So far, the attempts by the Senate and the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to mediate on  the allowance row have not gone far enough. We call on President Muhammadu Buhari to quickly rise to the occasion and save the nation the odium. He cannot afford to be silent on this national embarrassment. What the Super Falcons require is the prompt payment of their dues. The heroic girls must be told in no uncertain terms that the nation appreciates their exertions on our behalf.
Besides, the Super Falcons should aspire to be world-beaters. Many have complained that despite the team’s dominance on the African continent, they are yet to make an appreciable mark on the world stage. But it is for reasons like the present allowance imbroglio that they hardly deliver. Their preparations for the just-ended AWCON in Cameroon, was at best shambolic and it took the guts and self-sacrificing spirit of handlers and players for the nation to achieve the high result in the tournament. What more can a nation demand of her citizens?  The Super Falcons deserve a better treatment from the government. Let the government honour them and their handlers without further delay.

Related News