Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has dismissed speculation that the Super Falcons are yet to receive their bonuses, insisting all payments were made before the team’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Morocco.
Speaking on Arise TV’s Morning Show on Friday, Olopade said he had personally confirmed the payments with both the team’s captain, Rasheedat Ajibade, and officials of the Nigeria Football Federation.
“I can confirm authoritatively that all their bonuses have been paid, I spoke with Ajibade yesterday and with the NFF and everybody is on the same page,” he stated.
While acknowledging that “maybe one or two players might not have collected their bonuses due to bank issues with the Central Bank of Nigeria,” Olopade assured that the pledges made by President Bola Tinubu to reward the team would be honoured in full. “On the promise of Mr. President, I can assure you that it will be paid,” he said.
The NSC boss also revealed that discussions are ongoing with the Minister of Works and Housing and the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative to ensure the players receive the houses promised to them in recognition of their triumph. “The NSC is in contact with the Minister of Works and Housing and with the Renewed Hope Housing Initiative to ensure that they receive their houses in record time,” Olopade explained, stressing that the Commission prioritises athlete welfare.
His comments come in response to Ajibade’s recent claim that the team had yet to receive the $100,000 presidential reward and that match bonuses remained “a work in progress.”
The Falcons captain’s remarks had sparked debate among fans, but the NSC maintains that only minor administrative hitches are delaying full disbursement.