Nigeria, Kenya Match: NFF Rules Out Financial Incentives For Flamingoes

Chris Green, a board member of Nigeria Football Federation NFF, has said that the football authority has no plan to give the Flamingoes any financial incentive if they beat Kenya in Saturday’s U-17 Women World Cup African qualifying match scheduled for Nairobi.

Giving reasons for the action, the chairman of the technical committee of the NFF said the authority sees the players too young to focus their attention on money, adding that everything the players need to triumph over Kenya have been provided for them. He said that what is required from the girls now is for them to develop their winning mentality as they kick start their career in the national team.

“This is the U-17 team. These players are still very young and we believe that the only incentives they need are good kits, quality medical care and prompt payment of their camp allowances,” Green said.

He further said that the NFF will be building on a wrong foundation if at this stage of the girls’ career they are promised thousands of dollars for them to win matches, adding that it will be in the interest of the players to play for their country with determination and fighting spirit.

“These players cannot be given cars, or be induced with dollars to win matches. I believe if we do that now we are not laying a good foundation for their career in the national team. These players should demonstrate their willingness to play for Nigeria with dedication to win every game without financial inducements,” Green said.

—Francis Achi/Abuja