Unfulfilled promises may derail Falcons' WAFCON bid, ex-players warn

A group of former Nigerian women's national football team players has issued a stark warning: the government's failure to fulfill promises could undermine the Super Falcons' pursuit of an unprecedented 11th Women's Africa Cup of Nations title and qualification for the next FIFA Women's World Cup.

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The United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide feel the pain the present players are facing. They may be training ahead of the WAFCON, but complaints over the unfulfilled promises are getting louder.

Members of the United Ex-Super Falcons Worldwide expressed deep concern during a recent meeting in Chicago. They highlighted that a year after the team's success, the Federal Government has yet to deliver on its pledges of $100,000, land allocations, and other rewards for each player. This uncertainty has reportedly impacted the morale of the current squad preparing for the tournament in Morocco.

Patience Avre, a former player based in the United States, stated that the players are increasingly vocal about the unfulfilled promises, despite their fear of being dropped if they complain openly. "The government should motivate the players or risk international embarrassment," Avre urged, emphasizing the need for official communication and action.

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Virtually all the players have hinted to us that there has been no official statement since last year, and nobody talks about it. The players don’t complain openly for fear of being dropped. The government should motivate the players or risk international embarrassment.

The former players are making a passionate appeal, drawing from their own experiences of inadequate recognition and motivation. They believe Nigeria has the potential to be a leading women's football nation but has been held back by years of poor motivation. "Some of us shed blood, tears and sweat without appreciation. Some former Falcons players have died, while others are battling illnesses and injuries sustained while representing Nigeria," Avre added, appealing to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu to ensure past and present players benefit from the "Renewed Hope Agenda."

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The truth is that Nigeria should have been among the world’s leading women’s football nations, but poor motivation over the years has been a major setback.

This situation echoes past issues, as Nigeria's women's basketball team, D'Tigress, also faced delays in receiving their promised rewards after winning the 2025 Women's AfroBasket. While their rewards were eventually fulfilled in March, the Super Falcons' case remains unresolved, with the National Sports Commission citing the postponement of the team's camping program as the reason for the delay.

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The Federal Government is capable of adequately rewarding everyone who has brought honour to the country.