http://www.whistleblowers.org.ng/blog/view/61/2016-December

Nigerian Super Falcons, have decided to raise awareness of their unfair treatment by the NFF which have refused to pay their salary and bonuses.

They all matched out in numbers to peacefully protest at the National House of Assembly so the federal government could intervene on their behalf to resolve the issue.

The athletes, who defeated the host Cameroon in Yaounde to win the competition for the 8th time, said they will hold on to the trophy until their situation has been addressed.

The Falcons claimed that the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) owed each of them a whooping sum of $25,000 (over N11.25 million) since the team started camping for the tournament.

Although, the NFF has promised to pay the players, but they insisted that they will not exit the Hotel camp in Abuja and will possess the Trophy until the NFF and federal government meet their demands, adding that they can no longer tolerate the excuse of no money all the time.

Also, the Super Falcon's matched to the presidential villa to extend their protest and were approached by Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari who assured them that the necessary measures will be taken within two days to bring their grievances to an end.

The federal government has blamed the issue on the recession of the country as a reason for not paying the Falcons their allowances.

The minister of information, culture and tourism, Lai Mohammed, who spoke on the plight of the girls said: "Over time, it has become a tradition to reward victorious athletes, but in the case of the Falcons, I think this is caused by the biting economic situation.”

However, he stated that the sports minister, Solomon Dalung has raised the issue at the Federal Executive Council assuring that they would release a bailout fund for the girls.

Furthermore, Nigerian's took to twitter to support the protest and help the players raise more awareness. Some of the comments:

"I hope the money was not frozen in MMM
Pay them their dues, pls!" DR N

"From lifting trophy to raising placards...please please please #PayFalcons their heart earned money" Benjamin Chibueze

"Apparently, if the protest hadn't been staged, no action would have been taken. Why wait till everything escalates? #payFalcons" Biola Omowanle