Falcons Were Not Expected To Win AWCON Title – Dalung

Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sport, Barrister Solomon Dalung, who is known for making controversial statements is at it again.

Concerning the issue of the payment of match bonuses to the victorious Super Falcons at the just concluded African Women Cup of Nations held in Cameroon, the sports minister said the Nigerian female football team wasn’t expected to win the tournament, The Sun reports.

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The Falcons had staged a sit-in protest at their hotel to express their disappointment and vowed not to release the trophy to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), until their bonuses were paid.

Dalung, when confronted by State House correspondents to react to the embarrassing development admitted that although the team won the trophy for a record eighth time, their victory was not expected.

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According to him, if the NFF was confident of yet another victory in the tournament that held in Cameroon, it would have applied for and processed the funds for their bonuses early enough to avoid the national embarrassment.

He said, “It is unfortunate that we are celebrating victory of the Super Falcons amidst some bitter feelings among the players because of some administrative lapses that were not managed properly.

If the situation was explained to these girls I don’t think the situation would have gotten to this level. But we are working round the clock to ensure that what belongs to them legitimately is given to them. This has to do with government process.”

It is already established in sports tradition, when you win this is what you are entitled to. The situation is highly unfortunate and I don’t like it. These girls have given confidence to women who want to embrace sports but this will go a long way in killing this laudable achievement. It is unfortunate but we will make sure the right thing is done.”

Dalung however reassured the champions that they will receive all their entitlements.

He made the promise in company of the NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, when he met with the players and officials at their Agura Hotel, Abuja on Thursday.

I had to make time out to meet with you ladies again after receiving you on arrival in Lagos. In the past few days I have heard so much about the team’s grievances, challenges and issues here and there,” he said.

I have also discussed with the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation but I felt it is necessary for me to come and sit to discuss with you in order for us to understand ourselves better. The issues with the team date back to the All-Africa Games, bothering on allowances and bonuses. We are also aware that the coaches are also being owed.

The point I want to make clear is that for this competition which this team have participated in and won, we are indeed overwhelmed by the performance of the team.”

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