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2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup: Winner to get $4 million prize money

When the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup opens in Australia and New Zealand on July 20, the lasses representing 32 countries across the globe, including the Super Falcons of Nigeria, will not only be playing for gong and glory but for big bucks for the first time.

This FIFA Women’s World Cup is the ninth edition that has huge performance-related bonuses to be paid directly to the players and the participating countries. Consequently, we should expect the ladies to play with more gusto than ever before.

Launched in 1991 in Sweden, the FIFA Women World Cup, true to prediction, has grown in leaps and bounds since former FIFA President Joseph Blatter audaciously predicted a decade ago that “the future of football will be feminine.”

“This [expanding the women’s game] is one of my projects,” said Blatter, who left office under the cloud in 2015, in an interview broadcast on Al Jazeera in 2013. “The future of football will be feminine.

“We have shown that now, all around the world, girls and women can play football; so we are investing a lot in women’s football,” the Swiss added.

If Blatter’s FIFA can be credited with laying the foundation for what women’s football is today, his successor, Gianni Infantino, who was elected as FIFA President in 2016 and re-elected in 2019 and in March 2023, will forever be remembered as the modernizer of women’s football.

While there has been prize money at the Men’s FIFA World Cup since 1982, the first edition of the FIFA Women’s World Cup to feature prize money was China 2007, where USD 6.4 million was shelled out.

Ever since, there has been marked progression so much so that USD 50 million was paid across board at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, but it has tripled this term with a staggering USD 152 million plus USD 110 million as performance-based fund for all the teams at this finals in Australia and New Zealand.

“FIFA is making a huge investment in women’s football, and for the first time ever, we are guaranteeing prize money for players,” the soccer ruling body said in a statement. “The decision of FIFA to pay 30 percent of World Cup funds to women’s football is a right step in the right direction, because, over the years, women’s football has suffered poor funding, which negatively affected the development of the gender aspect of the game.

“This move will give the game a better opportunity to develop in all areas.

“With this, women’s footballers can be exposed to series of programmes that will enable them reach desired height in the game, as the various federations across the world will be enabled to engage a number of developmental programmes which will boost the women’s game.”

While the rest of the world especially in Europe, Oceania and America has since made the women’s game the beautiful bride with guaranteed funding and sponsorship, Africa is yet to reach such golden heights.

Whereas the prize money at the UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 was €16 million euros, just a paltry USD 2.4 million was the prize money for the 2022 CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, for instance.

Yet, according to FIFA, the decision to make more money available to women’s football, starting with this 2023 Women’s World Cup finals, would most definitely serve as motivation to women’s football; after all, “women have been limited in various areas due to paucity of funds. “Hence more accruable money will help boost the women’s game in several ways.” Besides, each player in each of the 32 teams at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup will take home at least $30,000 USD from the tournament, even as all the 23 members of the winning team is guaranteed $270,000 USD as part of a $110m total prize pool.

“This decision will bring the women’s game in Africa close to what it is in Europe, America and the Oceania,” FIFA stated boldly. “It will also encourage the players stay back on the African continent to help develop the game instead of running outside the continent to play in the more lucrative and better organised foreign leagues.

“With better funding, African teams can be more technical in the game and won’t fall easily to the more technical foreign teams.

“African teams will now have more confidence to rub shoulders with the foreign teams and now see them as equals in the game, as the better development will enable the African teams win in bigger tournaments.”

Since their Euros triumph, England suffered their first loss under Sarina Wiegman following a 2-0 defeat to Australia and drew their most recent fixture when playing an at home friendly against Portugal. However, they are still huge favourites at this year’s competition despite the significant injury concerns which have pervaded the Lioness camp.

Millie Bright will be captaining the side following the confirmation that Leah Williamson suffered an ACL injury and will now be out for several months.

Ahead of this year’s hotly anticipated competition, this year’s FIFA Congress saw President Gianni Infantino pledge his intention for equal prize money by the 2027 Women’s World Cup. This news came after major concerns had been raised by players about the pay disparity ahead of this year’s world Cup and, in addition, female players have been lobbying their global union FIFPRO to push FIFA for equal pay.

While equal prize money will not be seen in a couple of weeks’ time, here is all you need to know about what the Women’s World Cup winners are set to win later in August…

What is the tournament prize money?
The FIFA Congress announced that the 2023 Women’s World Cup prize money would be increased up to $110 million (£84m). This figure has increased significantly from the $30 million that was seen in 2019 but that is still considerably less than what has been seen at the men’s World Cup.

The extra finance means there will be an additional $40 million for team preparation money and for the clubs who release players.

During the time this new proposed figure was announced, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: “As a father of four beautiful daughters, I know how much attention we need to give women. Women deserve much, much more than that and we are there to fight for them and with them.”

Prize money breakdown:

Winners: $4 million
Runners-up: £2.6 million
Third place: $2 million
Fourth place: $1.6 million
5th-8th place: $1.45 million
9th-16th place: $1 million
17th-24th place: $750,000

What did Men’s World Cup 2022 winners earn?
The prize fund for the Men’s World Cup in Qatar was $440 million (over £365m). This was an increase of $40 million compared to the 2018 tournament and nearly a $100m increase on what was on offer at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. Argentina won $42 million for their efforts in Qatar while runners-up, France, earned $38 million.

When is the Women’s World Cup?
The tournament will start with New Zealand facing Norway on Thursday 20 July at 8am BST and Australia facing Republic of Ireland later that day at 11am. England’s first fixture will take place at 10.30am on Saturday 22 July with 32 nations bidding for a place in the grand finale on Sunday 20 August at 11am BST.

BBC and ITV will be sharing the coverage after a controversial debate saw Infantino threaten to withhold the broadcasting rights altogether.

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Nigeria Premier League

NPFL 2025/26 Season Set To Kick Off

NPFL 2025/26 Season Set To Kick Off

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) is gearing up for another exciting season as top clubs across the country resume pre-season activities ahead of the 2025/26 campaign. With the official kickoff set for Friday, August 22, 2025, anticipation is building among fans, pundits, and players who are eager to see how the new season unfolds.

Enyimba FC, one of the most successful clubs in the league’s history, resumed training on June 20 at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba. The team is looking to bounce back from a disappointing sixth-place finish last season, which saw them miss out on continental football. According to the club’s Sporting Director, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, all players and officials were instructed to report on schedule as preparations intensify for the new campaign.

Rivers United also returned to camp under the guidance of newly appointed Technical Manager Finidi George. Twenty-five players reported to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, where they were welcomed by Finidi and his technical crew. Rivers United, who finished second in the 2024/25 season, will compete in the CAF Champions League alongside NPFL champions Remo Stars. The team is expected to play several friendly matches as part of its build-up to the season.

Abia Warriors, another top-performing side last season, have launched their own pre-season program. Having secured third place, the Umuahia-based club will be making its debut in the CAF Confederation Cup. Coach Imama Amapakabo is leading the first phase of training with the current squad while awaiting the arrival of new signings. Nigeria’s fourth continental slot will be decided in the final of the President Federation Cup between Kwara United and Abakaliki FC.

As clubs finalize their preparations, conversations around Nigeria Premier League predictions are beginning to surface among fans and analysts. Unlike European leagues where form guides can often be predictable, the NPFL is widely known for its volatility. Home advantage plays a significant role, and away victories are often hard-fought. This makes the league a compelling subject for fans who enjoy forecasting match outcomes and tracking shifts in form. Interest in predictions has grown significantly in recent years, with platforms like BetsLoaded.com offering detailed previews, statistical breakdowns, and weekly match tips to help fans make more informed calls.

What sets the NPFL apart is its intense regional rivalries and passionate fan bases. From the Oriental Derby between Enyimba and Rangers International to North Central clashes involving Lobi Stars, the energy and unpredictability of matchdays keep the league dynamic. This unpredictability also contributes to the growing demand for reliable NPFL betting tips, as more Nigerian fans seek analysis that goes beyond surface-level commentary.

With the new season approaching, clubs will be fine-tuning their squads while fans gear up for what promises to be a fiercely contested title race. Whether it’s Remo Stars defending their title or underdogs pushing for a surprise finish, this season is shaping up to be one of the most engaging in recent years. For supporters eager to follow the action closely and gain a sharper insight into the game, the role of predictions will no doubt be more relevant than ever.

The NPFL is not just a football league; it’s a movement that continues to evolve. As attention grows and coverage expands, the blend of tradition, talent, and analysis is helping to elevate the league’s profile both at home and across the continent.

Scorenigeria.com.ng

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Nigeria Premier League

“It’s My Time,” Says Ikorodu City Star After Eagles Snub

"It's My Time," Says Ikorodu City Star After Eagles Snub

Ikorodu City star Waliu Ojetoye has expressed optimism that he will break into the Super Eagles and become a regular, according to Soccernet.ng.

Ojetoye is coming off a brilliant campaign with Ikorodu United in the Nigeria Premier Football League. The 20-year-old was arguably the best left-back in the Nigerian top-flight last season, with a league-high nine assists.

He was key to Ikorodu City finishing 4th on the NPFL table after a very poor start to the campaign.

Ojetoye’s brilliance not only earned him a place in Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles. He was also named in Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles squad for the 2025 Unity Cup four weeks ago.

Unfortunately for him, the Ikorodu City man did not get minutes at the competition. Ojetoye was named on the bench in the first game against Ghana. But he did not even make the matchday squad for the final against Jamaica.

However, despite the disappointment, Ojetoye has expressed optimism that he will get game time with the Super Eagles eventually.

“I had a very nice experience in the Super Eagles team. It was a different exposure for me,” Ojetoye told ACL Sports.

“I was not disappointed not getting any minutes on the pitch because I know my time will come. Things are being done gradually, so I don’t need to jump into it. I believe that when it’s my time, I will play and give it my best.”

Ojetoye is currently on break. But it might be a busy holiday for him, as there have been speculations that he will leave Ikorodu City soon.

The Ikorodu City star is still young, at 21. If he continues to work on his game, he could get a move that will consistently put him in the eyes of the Super Eagles coaches.

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Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede: Global Club Cup Too Soon For Nigerian Teams

Ogunmodede: Global Club Cup Too Soon For Nigerian Teams

Remo Stars head coach Daniel Ogunmodede has issued a realistic assessment of Nigerian football’s place on the global stage, saying it may take between five to ten years for Nigerian clubs to reach the level required to compete at major international tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup.

Speaking after guiding Remo Stars to their first-ever Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) title, Ogunmodede praised his players’ efforts but stressed that significant structural and developmental reforms are necessary if Nigerian clubs are to thrive internationally.

“Winning the league is a step in the right direction, but we are still far behind the elite clubs,” he said. “If we want to get to the level of the Club World Cup, it will take five to ten years of consistent planning and execution.”

He cited key areas requiring improvement, including youth development, infrastructure, coaching education, and management professionalism. “We need to go back to the drawing board. The gap in fitness, tactics, and match exposure is wide. It’s not impossible, but we must be deliberate,” Ogunmodede added.

As NPFL champions, Remo Stars will represent Nigeria in the CAF Champions League next season. The club’s rapid rise has been one of the most talked-about stories in Nigerian football, but Ogunmodede insists that more systemic changes are needed beyond domestic success. “It’s not about one club. For Nigerian football to grow, all clubs must invest in structures that develop talent sustainably,” he said.

He also called on the League Management Company (LMC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize long-term reforms. “If we want to compete with the likes of Al Ahly, Wydad, or even clubs from Asia and South America, we must modernize.”

The FIFA Club World Cup expands in 2025, and no Nigerian team has qualified to date.

Sports247.ng

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