Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, President, Amaju Pinnick has expressed sadness that the federation was held responsible for the financial issues that recently affected both the Super Eagles and the Super Falcons.
Players of the Super Falcons who won this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after beaten host Cameroon 1-0 to clinch a record 8th title had to embark on a protest to force the payment of their entitlements.
The presidency had consequently ordered the payment of outstanding allowances and bonuses owed players of the two senior national teams.
But speaking as a guest alongside NFF second Vice President and Chairman of League Management Company, LMC, Shehu Dikko, on Africa Independent Television, AIT, on Tuesday morning, Pinnick defended the actions of his organisation.
He said, “We feel bad about what happened regarding the Falcons, We hold our women’s teams very highly.
“We requested for funds as early as July, and another memo was sent to the ministry after the game against Zambia.
“We sent memos on the Super Eagles, Super Falcons to the ministry early enough. “The minister [Solomon Dalung] was with me when we convinced the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to come to the training sessions. He was aware of everything.
“I was at the airport tarmac to welcome the Falcons from Cameroon and got our Emzor to receive them and give them some money.
“Claims of neglect are totally incorrect. In Abuja, the Falcons were received in Abuja by the NFF management led by the Gen. Sec [Mohammed Sanusi].
“I have immense regard for women. I never said the players should rot in the hotel. That is ridiculous.”
Pinnick stated that endless litigation another issue affecting the NFF from carrying out their duties, while reacting to claims FIFA suspended payment to the NFF because previous funds were not well managed.
He added, “Distractions of court cases have also worked against our aggressive and robust marketing drive.
“FIFA audit query is like any audit query. It is between the finance departments of NFF and FIFA.
“They only had compliance issues with our TSA and cash transactions.
“Negative statements which most times are without facts and distractions do not help our work.
“Our target is to see the Super Eagles break new grounds after making it to Russia 2018 World Cup.”
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