By Sadiq Umar – At last, respite may have come the way of the Super Falcon following a firm promise by the Presidency to pay their $25,000 allowance after Wednesday morning protest.
The players had converged at the premises of the National Assembly to protest the delay in the payment of their allowances weeks after returning with trophy from the 10th African Women Cup of Nations.
The protest coincided with President Muhammadu Buhari’s scheduled address to the joint session of the National Assembly (NASS) for presentation of the 2017 budget.
They were however prevented from gaining entrance into the main complex of the federal legislative building by NASS security who stopped them at the main gate.
Words came to them thereafter that the Presidency is inviting them to a meeting to resolve the issue of the outstanding allowamces.
The Falconers were then invited to a meeting with the Chief of Staff (COS) to the President, Mr. Abba Kyari, where they were promised that their outstanding allowance of $25,000 each would be paid within 48 hours.
Further details of the discussion at the meeting was not immediately clear.
The protesting players displayed different placards with various inscriptions while the protest lasted.
It would be recalled that the Super Falcons emerged the champion of the 10th African Women Cup of Nations having defeated the host, Cameroon 1-0 a forthnight ago.
The delayed allowance has prompted many accusations and counter within the country’s football circle.
The Minister of Sports and Youths, Mr. Solomin Dalung was once quoted as saying that the victory recorded by the team was unexpected.
Hence, the poor preparation for their welfare. “Nobody expect the team to win the Championship,” Mr. Dalung was quoted as saying.
The Minister has since denied ever making such statement.
The players after meeting with the COS have since returned to their Agura Hotel, in Abuja.
