Sports
NFF Pays US-Based Falcons Stars WAFCON Bonuses
Twelve months after the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Nigeria Football Federation has paid Super Falcons trio Ifeoma Onumonu, Michelle Alozie and Nicole Payne their outstanding WAFCON bonuses, Tidesports source has reliably gathered.
The nine-time African champions had boycotted training in the North African country in July 2022 to protest their unpaid allowances just before their WAFCON third-place clash against Zambia in Casablanca.
Nigeria were the three-time defending champions, having won the previous three editions in 2014, 2016 and 2018 but had its quest for a fourth consecutive title and a 10th overall dashed in the semi-finals of the competition after losing to hosts Morocco on penalties.
An NFF official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the delayed payment was because the players’ accounts did not have the compulsory Bank Verification Number linked with their National Identity Number.
It was also learnt that while Onumonu was paid her outstanding bonus of $9,500 last week, duo Alozie and Nicole Payne, who missed out of the trip to the World Cup, were paid on Saturday.
Our correspondent gathered that only Toni Payne is yet to receive her outstanding $9,500 as of the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, at the ongoing Women’s World Cup co-hosted by New Zealand and Australia, the Falcons kicked off their campaign with a goalless draw against Canada at the Melbourne Rectangular Stadium Friday.
Captain Chiamaka Nnadozie saved a penalty in the 50th minute to deny Canada skipper Christine Sinclair a chance to become the first player to score in six World Cups in the encounter.
Both teams have a point each, trailing Group B leaders Australia by two, following the co-hosts’ 1-0 win over Ireland Thursday.
The Falcons will face the Aussies in their next Group B game on Thursday at the Brisbane Stadium.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”
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