In a recent interview, coach Randy Waldrum recalled that the Nigerian Football Federation has been owed salaries for the past 7 months. The coach also revealed that many players have had to compete and train without pay for a period of 2 years.
Many Nigerian media outlets have reported that the 11-time African champions will boycott the 2023 World Cup. However, Mr. Waldrum denied: "All the troubles we are going through are real, but the team needs to put them behind us. We have come here, fully focused on the opening match against Canada at the World Cup.
The whole team had a long talk on the first night in Australia and agreed not to mention financial issues, not to talk to outsiders and just focus on work.
Many Nigerian female footballers have not been paid for the past two years.
Despite not having much support, the Nigerian women's team is still in very good form. They have won against New Zealand, Haiti and Costa Rica in their last 3 friendlies.
Coach Waldrum said: “ I am very happy with the form of the players, the off-field problems can become a burden for the team, but they did not let that happen. However, it is unrealistic to expect us to go far.”
Financial concerns from several women’s teams have cast a shadow over the 2023 World Cup. Even Olympic champions Canada and reigning Euro 2022 champions England have run into similar problems.
Some teams have even resorted to crowdfunding to cover their costs. While FIFA has been working to close the gap between men’s and women’s football, it is clear that this is a long way off and cannot be achieved in just a few World Cups.
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