Ladies's World Cup 2023: Nigerian ladies's staff 'grateful' for presidency reward

Defender Osinachi Ohale says Nigeria's gamers are “grateful” after every was rewarded with $10,000 by the nation's authorities for reaching the final 16 on the Ladies's World Cup.

The Tremendous Falcons' self-discipline propelled them by means of a bunch with co-hosts Australia and Olympic champions Canada earlier than being eradicated on penalties by England after a 0-0 draw.

Nigerian First Woman Oluremi Tinubu, spouse of President Bola Tinubu, praised the “unbreakable spirit and unwavering power” as she hosted team members and officials on the Presidential Villa in Abuja earlier than the unprecedented reward was introduced.

“We’re grateful for this sudden gesture as a result of we now have been successful the Ladies's Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) for years and I can’t bear in mind being honored or rewarded on this means,” the veteran Ohale advised BBC Sport Africa.

“We admire the federal authorities for his or her assist and encouragement. And we additionally thank Nigerians for his or her outstanding assist in the course of the match.

“Nigeria is a rustic the place the general public appreciates good issues. If you happen to do one thing good, they may present appreciation, and for those who don't do it effectively, they may nonetheless present it – they may neglect the great issues you’ve got carried out, In order that's how it’s,” she laughed.

“I'm simply glad we have been in a position to put a smile on their faces.”

It’s not simply the federal authorities that receives or rewards gamers from the nine-time African champions – in stark distinction to latest years.

Up to now, the staff has fought a number of instances for the cash they have been owed – to the purpose that final yr they even boycotted pre-match coaching.

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, also met four players of the state – Chiamaka Nnadozie, Tochukwu Oluehi, Want Oparanozie and Ohale – handed out $10,000 every and promised the quartet a chunk of land.

In July, Uzodinma gave six Imo gamers $6,300 (£4,940) after serving to the Tremendous Falcons attain the semi-finals of the 2022 Wafcon in Morocco.

“Uzodinma is sort of a father and has proven his assist all through the match,” Ohale added.

“We will't thank him sufficient as a result of it goes a protracted approach to proving that persons are really watching video games now. I'm blissful and grateful for the rewards.”

Gamers have been additionally highlighted in Osun and Lagos, with Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu taking to social media to proclaim that the staff's efficiency had 'induced a significant shock'. new era of enthusiasm for ladies's soccer in Nigeria,” bringing “actually outstanding” unity to the nation.

In the meantime, Chairman of the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has assured the staff that they may obtain their 2023 World Cup prize cash, along with unpaid bonuses, allowances and bills relationship again to 2021.

Final week, world gamers' union Fifpro revealed it was serving to Nigerian ladies in a dispute with the NFF, however Gusau was sad with the timing of the intervention and reiterated in an area radio interview that the gamers are already entitled to $60,000 (£47,000) per Unit. from match organizers FIFA.

“If in case you have an impressive (debt) for greater than two years, are you creating distractions for your self?” he stated.

'Solely when we now have the cash can we use it to pay for these kinds of funds.

“We will use the prize cash we obtain from FIFA to pay any excellent quantity and the coach of the Tremendous Falcons. That’s what we’re going to do.”

Nigeria are the one African staff to have featured in all 9 Ladies's World Cups and virtually a fortnight after their heartbreaking exit in opposition to England, who will play Spain within the last on Sunday, ahead Asisat Oshoala has mirrored on the staff's efficiency on the match in Australia and New Zealand.

“I’m very pleased with the staff. It was fascinating for us to get out of the group stage and go to the following spherical,” the Nigerian star participant advised BBC Sport Africa.

“Clearly we have been unfortunate in our final recreation, however I'm actually happy with the staff: nice staff spirit, nice effort from the women and it may solely get higher.”

Oshoala turned heads as she celebrated her late match winner in opposition to co-hosts Australia – a match Nigeria gained 3-2 to safe their solely victory – by taking off her shirt in celebration.

Why would she act like that this time when she has scored greater than 30 objectives for the Tremendous Falcons with out celebrating in that type even when she gained three Wafcon titles?

“I feel the staff simply wanted that at that second and I used to be blissful that we might get it as a staff, not as a result of it was me, however as a result of I do know the women deserved it. Quite a lot of laborious work went into the sport.

“I organized the celebration as a result of I used to be in my second and my household – an important folks to me – understood.”

The 28-year-old was talking at her ladies' academy in Lagos, which opened by means of her basis final yr.

The five-time African Footballer of the 12 months trains ladies between the ages of 12 and 18 thrice every week.

“I didn't even know ladies's groups existed,” stated the Barcelona ahead, recalling her childhood.

“I made a decision to start out an academy due to the hardships I skilled. I simply took it upon myself to make it simpler for the youthful technology.”

The monetary rewards given to Oshoala and her teammates from Nigeria appear to indicate how a lot issues have modified.