Arsenal legend, Ian Wright, has told the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to pay the Super Falcons whatever money is being owed the players.

Wright said this on Thursday following the Super Falcons’ 3-2 win over Australia in their second group match of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

“Pay them!!!!!! @thenff ” — Ian Wrig5ht had tweeted, tagging the NFF

Nigeria’s Super Falcons on Thursday came from a goal down to hand Women’s World Cup co-host Australia a crushing defeat at the Lang Park Stadium in Brisbane on Thursday.

The Super Falcons’ performance was against many odds due to the events that took place before the tournament.

NFF versus Randy Waldrum

Super Falcons coach, Randy Waldrum had a row with the NFF before the tournament with the American gaffer accusing Nigeria’s football governing body of owing him, his staff, and the players a backlog of wages and allowances.

Waldrum accused the NFF of interference in his job over the selection of players. He revealed that his backup goalkeeper Tochukwu Oluehi was banned from the team after she demanded payment of the players’ bonus.

He said the ban was not lifted until the player was made to write a letter of apology. Waldrum also alleged that the NFF retaliated by asking him not to take his assistant to Australia.

But NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire counter-accused the American, alleging the coach wanted the federation to waste its meagre resources.

Waldrum on Wednesday, however, said he and the team are only focused on playing football while praising the team spirit of the Super Falcons.

How Super Falcons cruised past Australia

Emily van Egmond had put the Matildas in front in the first minute of first-half added time before Uchenna Kalu restored parity for Nigeria in the fifth minute of first-half stoppage time.

Ohale put the Super Falcons in front on 65 minutes before Asisat Oshoala who came into the fray as a 64th-minute substitute capitalised on a mix-up in the Matildas’ backline to make it 3-1.

Alanna Kennedy then pulled one back for Australia in the 10th minute of second-half stoppage time but it was too little too late for the World Cup co-host as Nigeria held on for victory.

With the victory, the Super Falcons have taken a significant step towards qualifying for the knockout phase of the tournament as they need only a draw against Ireland in their final group game. (The Guardian)

Update news