By Niyi Busari
The reformed Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) has confirmed receipt of the sum of Nineteen million and three hundred thousand Naira (N19.3m) equivalent of Fifty thousand US Dollars ($50,000) from the Nigeria Football Federation.
The amount received from the Nigeria Football Federation is part of FIFA Palliative Support funds to the Union.
While thanking the federation for the gesture, the President of the Players Union, Tijani Babangida, reiterated that the Union remains committed to protecting the rights and privileges of the Nigerian players.
In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Emmanuel Babayaro (MON), the Union stated that they’re allies and partners in the progress of the NFF and also urged the federation to see the Players Union as the same.
It reads; “This is to acknowledge the receipt of the sum of N19,300,000:00 ( being the equivalent of $50,000) only, from the Nigeria Football Federation as part of its Palliative support fund to the union.
While thanking the Football hierarchy for the gesture, the reformed and rebranded Footballers Union, however, regrets the communication gap between the Football Federation and its Stakeholders thereby necessitating avoidable aspersions and imbroglios.
“The President on behalf of the Union reiterates its commitment to the protection of the rights and privileges of the Nigerian player while directing that due diligence and transparency be imbibed in the further utilization and distribution of the palliatives by the Union.
The Union sees itself as allies and partners in progress with the NFF and urges the Football House to see the Union as the same even when the situation calls for dissent.
We must continue to push for global best practices at all fronts of our Football Administration.
While the Union is saddled with the responsibility of its members especially at this rebranding period, we must not fail to mention and show gratitude to the NFF for its support to the Union so far.
“We look excitedly forward to the future with great promise to the Nigerian player and the Nation’s Football development.” The statement concluded.
