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Reps intervene in rift over footballers’ unpaid bonuses

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The House of Representatives Committee on Sports on Wednesday pledged to wade into the crisis over unpaid bonuses to national football teams players by the Nigeria Football Federation.

Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Sports, Ekene Abubakar, stated this in Abuja at a meeting with the NFF at the National Assembly Complex.

The committee and the federation agreed to work together to find lasting solutions to the recurring issue of unpaid bonuses of all national teams players.

When asked to explain the issues surrounding the non-payment of Super Falcons players in their recent World Cup outing, NFF president, Ibrahim Gusau, said the money owed the players would be paid as soon as the federation received grants from FIFA.

Abubakar also charged the NFF to immediately resolve the issues regarding the two affected State FAs (Plateau and Nasarawa) where the Normalisation Committees have been set up.

To resolve the issues, the committee urged the NFF to abide by the statutes, saying, “What we are simply saying following petitions received from the two States Football Associations is that the federation should respect and go back to its statute to restore peace and order in Nigerian football.”

Gusau assured the committee that all pending issues, including elections into State FAs would be resolved within three weeks.

In a related development, the NFF informed the House Committee on Sports that it was still investigating Auwalu Jada, who was suspended from all football-related activities following an allegation of match-fixing, assuring the lawmakers that the Bauchi-born football administrator would be given a fair hearing before a final decision was taken.

In November 2022, Jada was seen on tape boasting of his ability to fix matches in the Nigerian Professional Football League.

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Tinubu appreciates Super Falcons with $100,000 cash award, 3-bedroom apartments including OON honours

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) on all 24 players of Nigeria’s victorious WAFCON team, along with a cash reward of $100,000 each and a three-bedroom apartment for each player.

Members of the team’s technical crew also received $50,000 each as part of the presidential recognition.

The announcement was made during a special reception held in honour of the team at the State House on Monday.

Led by team captain Rasheedat Ajibade and head coach Justin Madugu, the champions arrived at the Presidential Villa at 4:35 p.m. to a rousing welcome from President Tinubu and other dignitaries

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Four Super Falcons players make WAFCON 2024 Best XI

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

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FOUR of Nigeria’s Super Falcons players made the WAFCON 2024 Best XI, according Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The full Best XI include: Chiamaka Nnadozie (Nigeria)Michelle Alozie (Nigeria) Rasheedat Ajibade (Nigeria) Esther Okoronkwo (Nigeria) Ghizlane Chebbak (Morocco) Grace Asantewaa (Ghana)Refiloe Jane (South Africa)Bambanani Mbane (South Africa)Karabo Dhlamini (South Africa)Portia Boakye (Ghana)Ibtissam Jraidi (Morocco)

Leading the list is Chiamaka Nnadozie, who was also named Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament.

Her commanding presence and decisive saves were pivotal to Nigeria’s success, especially during tense knockout fixtures.

Also earning a spot in the Best XI is right-back Michelle Alozie. The Houston Dash defender impressed with her stamina, aggressive pressing, and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.

Nigeria’s dominance in the attacking third was reflected with the inclusion of two key forwards.

Team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who was voted Player of the Tournament, was selected on the right wing.

Completing Nigeria’s presence in the CAF Best XI is Esther Okoronkwo, who starred on the left wing.

The 27-year-old was instrumental in Nigeria’s dramatic 3-2 comeback win over hosts Morocco in the final, scoring once and providing two assists.

She finished the tournament with two goals and a tournament-high six assists.

The full Best XI is set in a 4-3-3 formation and includes three Moroccan players, two each from Ghana and South Africa—WAFCON 2024’s other semi-finalists. Ghana edged South Africa to win the bronze medal.

South Africa’s Karabo Dhlamini was named at left-back, while Ghana’s Portia Boakye and South Africa’s Bambanani Mbane formed the central defensive partnership.

In midfield, Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak—top scorer with five goals—was joined by Ghana’s Grace Asantewaa and South Africa’s Refiloe Jane. Morocco’s Ibtissam Jraïdi led the line in attack.

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England defeats Spain to win Women’s Euro 2025 Cup

The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.

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England defeated Spain 3-1 in a penalty shoot-out to win the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 after a dramatic 1-1 draw following extra time on Sunday in Basel.

The victory at St Jakob-Park marks back-to-back European titles for the Lionesses, who also avenged their 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final defeat to the Spanish.

Although Spain dominated the possession and took the lead through Mariona Caldentey’s first-half header, yet England once again showed their trademark resilience.

Alessia Russo headed home the equaliser just before the hour mark, and after a tense extra time, the final was decided on penalties.

Spain faltered from the spot, missing three of their efforts, including a save from reigning Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati, while Kelly, coming off the bench, sealed the win with a composed finish.

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