Sport
NFF President summoned over Super Falcons non-payment of allowances
The special committee assigned to probe the conflict between the Super Falcons and officials from the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has once again summoned Ibrahim Gusau, the president of the federation.
After Ibrahim Gusau’s absence during the initial hearing on Tuesday, Blessing Onu, the chairperson of the ad hoc committee overseeing the investigation, has extended another invitation to him.
Reiterating the invitation for the NFF President, Onu emphasized that the committee’s session was not intended to target individuals but rather to fulfill its obligations in alignment with the House’s mandate.
Onuh, issuing the renewed summons, expressed dissatisfaction with the NFF President’s intentional failure to heed the call of the ad hoc committee.
She noted that the scheduled appearance date for the NFF President was August 17. She emphasized that the reasons provided for his non-appearance held less importance than the committee’s responsibilities.
“This investigative hearing matters to Nigerians. The achievements of the girls, the Super Falcons, were commendable, and they brought pride to Nigeria. Therefore, we must not take this inquiry lightly.”
“We initially granted the NFF President an opportunity to participate in front of this ad hoc committee. The matter at hand pertains to the allowances and compensation owed to the female footballers. What holds greater significance for him: attending the FIFA Women’s Convention or facing this committee?”
“He has chosen to dispatch his Special Assistant to convey his unavailability. This action indicates a lack of respect, a disregard for our authority, and we will not tolerate such behavior,” she affirmed.
In an earlier statement, the NFF Secretary-General, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, cited the NFF President’s ill health as the reason for his inability to attend the investigative hearing.
Nevertheless, the ad hoc committee declined to engage with the Secretary-General and his delegation, who came to represent the NFF President.
Meanwhile, certain concerned members of the committee, who preferred to remain anonymous, accused the NFF President of intentionally obstructing the inquiry process.