Fatma Samoura, FIFA Secretary-General, had heart-warming words of praise for the Nigeria players after their 0-0 draw with Ireland, securing their place in the Women’s World Cup round of 16.
Samoura expressed her admiration for the team’s accomplishments in the dressing room at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium and revealed that, for the first time, the tournament’s prize money will be paid directly to the players rather than through the Nigeria football federation. Each player is entitled to $60,000 in prize money.
“It is because of you, Super Falcons, that for the first time in the history of FIFA, the FIFA Women’s World Cup prize money will be paid directly to you, the players,” Samoura declared.
While Samoura will be leaving FIFA in a few months, Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s director for Africa, has been entrusted by her to ensure that the money is received by the players.
Nigeria’s journey in the tournament has been commendable so far, as they finished as runners-up in Group B, just behind co-hosts Australia.
