The House of Representatives is set to intervene in the protracted conflict between NFF and Super Falcons ahead of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, set to kick off on the 20th this month.

This followed the adoption of a motion by Rep. Olumide Osoba representing APC from Ogun State at plenary on Wednesday.

Submitting his motion, Osoba said steps needs to be taking to avoid the Super Falcons from boycotting games at the World Cup as claimed as that could be embarrassing and hurts Nigeria’s reputation:

“Concerned about the potential embarrassment and negative impact on Nigeria’s reputation if the planned protest and boycott proceeds without intervention, as witnessed in previous incidents involving the national female basketball team.

“There are historical instances of non-payment of salaries, allowances, and bonuses, as well as the arbitrary dismissal of players within the Nigerian women’s sports teams.

“The situation is not only embarrassing but also raises serious questions about the treatment of athletes and the overall management of sports in our country.

“Aware that the Super Falcons have threatened to boycott their opening game on July 21, resulting in potential embarrassment for the government and jeopardizing Nigeria’s participation in the tournament,” he said.

The House instructed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay the outstanding match bonuses and allowances owed to the players, ahead of the World Cup.

Speaker Tajudeen Abbas in his rulings said that the Sports Committee, when formed, should invite the NFF and stakeholders to give explicit details on steps that will be used to resolve the conflict before the commencement of the World Cup in Canada and Australia.