TheCable

Hope Uzodimma, governor of Imo, has redeemed his pledge of N30 million to six players from the state who were part of the Super Falcons squad that participated in the 2022 Africa Women Championship (AWCON) in Morocco.

In a statement, Oguwike Nwachuku, the governor’s chief press secretary, quoted Uzodinma as praising the footballers for “making Imo proud”.

The recipients are Desire Okparanozie, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Vivian Ikechukwu, Tochukwu Oluehi, Ohale Osinachi and Michelle Alozie.

The governor had pledged N5 million each for the six Super Falcons players from the state when they paid him a courtesy visit after the competition.

The Falcons were defeated 5-4 on penalties in the semifinal of the AWCON by Morocco. The Nigerians played a chunk of the match with two players down.

They would also lose the third-place match 1-0 to Zambia.

The monetary reward comes amid claims of unpaid allowances and bonuses in the Super Falcons.

Randy Waldrum, the team’s head coach, revealed that some players are owed “per diem and bonuses” from two years ago.

The American also said the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) owes him seven months’ salary.

The women’s World Cup will be hosted by New Zealand and Australia from July 20.

The Falcons have flown to Oceania for a 15-day training ahead of the tournament.