SHORT ON THE ARM

Oshoala welcomes Women's World Cup money boost

Each player will take home 30,000 US dollars from the tournament.

In Summary

• Five-time African player of the year Oshoala says the funds going straight to players rather than federations is a major step forward.

• I'm happy things are beginning to change and players don't have to be dependent on their federations for income from World Cup appearances alone-Oshoala.

Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala speaks during an interview with Reuters at Johan Cruyff stadium in Barcelona, Spain on May 6
Barcelona's Asisat Oshoala speaks during an interview with Reuters at Johan Cruyff stadium in Barcelona, Spain on May 6
Image: REUTERS

Barcelona and Nigeria striker Asisat Oshoala believe players will be inspired by the financial rewards Fifa is putting in place for the Women's World Cup.

Each player will take home 30,000 US dollars from the tournament, with all 23 members of the winning team guaranteed at least 270,000 US dollars as part of the 110m USD total prize pool.

Five-time African player of the year Oshoala says the funds going straight to players rather than federations is a major step forward.

"I'm happy things are beginning to change and players don't have to be dependent on their federations for income from World Cup appearances alone," she told BBC Sport Africa.

"It really is interesting to see such development because it will serve as a motivation to the players."

Reigning African champions South Africa are joined by Nigeria, who have been ever-presents at the event, plus Morocco and Zambia at this year's tournament co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.

The minimum $30,000 in direct prize money is more than twice the average salary of $14,000 for paid players surveyed in FIFA's 2022 benchmarking report.

With a lack of sponsorship, investment and a growing number of struggling clubs on the continent, many Africa-based footballers often rely on earnings from the national teams.

Africa's most successful national side, Nigeria's women's team - the Super Falcons - have been in the public eye previously after protests by players relating to unpaid bonuses and allowances at continental and global tournaments.

At the 2019 Women's World Cup in France, the Nigerian players threatened a sit-in protest over unpaid salaries and bonuses after their last-16 elimination by Germany.

But Oshoala, who made scoring appearances at the 2015 and 2019 World Cup tournaments, is confident the latest Fifa distribution model, which has been endorsed by global players union Fifpro, can prevent another embarrassment.

"It's not always a good look to stage protests because all the players want to do is focus on the football," the Barcelona star added.