Sports Ministry disputes Black Queens’ claims of outstanding bonuses, says all per diems paid
The Ministry of Sports and Recreation has rejected claims by members of the Black Queens that they are owed bonuses dating back to 2025, insisting that the government has fulfilled all financial obligations to the team.
In a press statement signed by Bagbara Tanko, Head of PR & Communications for the Minister and dated 12 August 2026, the Ministry said: “Government does not owe the Black Queens any outstanding per diem.”
According to the statement, players and officials received per diem payments in advance on 29 July 2026 for the period covering 26 July to 7 August 2026, and a further payment on 11 August 2026 to cover 8 to 14 August 2026 as the team remained in Morocco for FIFA Women’s World Cup play-in qualification. The Ministry added that copies of signed allowance sheets have been attached to prove receipt.
On winning bonuses, the Ministry noted the Queens recorded one group stage victory against Cape Verde at WAFCON and therefore earned one bonus. It explained that such bonuses are processed directly into bank accounts after documentation and statutory deductions, and that payment for the Cape Verde win “is therefore being processed in accordance with the established procedure.”
The Ministry also addressed claims of an outstanding qualification bonus for the matches against Egypt. It stated that under the current sports financing framework, “qualification for WAFCON through the home-and-away qualifying round does not attract a separate qualification bonus,” and that there was “no Government approval for the payment of winning bonuses for the WAFCON qualifying matches against Egypt.”
The statement further highlighted the welfare arrangements in place for the team, including a full medical and technical crew, and said the Ministry’s Accountant attached to the team has facilitated approved payments for additional needs.
“Government remains firmly behind the Black Queens. We wish the team the very best as they continue their campaign to secure a place at the FIFA Women’s World Cup,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry’s response comes after players of the senior women’s national team raised concerns about unpaid bonuses, per diems, and welfare during the ongoing Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
With both sides maintaining different accounts, the issue now centers on whether delays in processing the single win bonus and the absence of an approved qualification bonus are behind the players’ complaints.
Read the full statement below:
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