Falconets Stranded in Abuja Hotel

Players of the national Under-20 female team, the Falconets were the victim of the cash squeeze plaguing Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as they were left stranded yesterday in their Serob Hotel in Abuja following the failure of the federation to cough out transport fares and allowances owed them. The Falconets returned to Nigeria on Wednesday from Papua New Guinea after their early exit from the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup. THISDAY learnt last night that federation officials led by General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, haggled for more time with players to raise the transport fares of N20, 000 per player but the Falconets insisted they would not vacate their hotel rooms unless they were paid all their bonuses and allowances. Sanusi pleaded with the players to see reasons with the federation which was cash strapped and could not pay the transport fares and allowances. THISDAY further learnt that the harsh financial times made things difficult for the team as they survived on a zero-budget in Papua New Guinea in the Pacific region. “NFF secretary pleaded for more time to raise money for the transport fares to enable us return to our clubs. Source: Thisday