NFF boss explains why they pay Super Eagles more than Super Falcons

Ibrahim Gusau, the NFF president, has explained why they pay the Nigerian Super Eagles more than the Super Falcons. 

The subject of pay disparity in sport has been a contentious topic globally. During an interview with Gusau at the ongoing WAFCON, journalist Osasu Obayiuwana localised the global issue. 

The Super Falcons have won nine Cup of Nations to their male counterparts’ three. Given the incredible disparity in the level of success of the Nigerian women's national team compared to the men's, Gusau was asked why the men are paid more. 

He explained that the Super Eagles were the main draw for sponsorship. However, he added that they ensure to pay the Falcons fairly. 

“When you go to sponsors, the first thing they ask you is, 'How are the Super Eagles performing?’ That's where the money is,” Gusau explained. 

“And the moment we have a problem with them, we are gone… For now, as it is, it is going to be very difficult [to have pay parity between the Super Eagles and Super Falcons]. We will try to see that they have the type of welfare that they deserve. The difference is not much.”

The argument about sponsorship seems to answer the question until one considers that the Nigerian government pays the allowances and bonuses, a fact Osasu ensured to highlight. However, Gusau explained that the government does not pay everything and that they sometimes have to augment it with sponsorship payments. 

“It’s not everything that is taken care of by the government. Some of these things come from sponsorship money. We have had to see what we can raise from our own funds to pay their daily allowances [at the ongoing WAFCON].”

Meanwhile, he also explained why the Super Falcons had been training in old jerseys rather than recently issued Nike gear, revealing that they had problems with the Moroccan customs.