Matildas' opponent Nigeria could BOYCOTT opening match at Women's World Cup after squad told match bonuses will be withheld

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Nigeria are considering a boycott of their first match at the Women's World Cup in Melbourne later this month after the squad were informed they won't be paid tournament match bonuses.

Coach Randy Waldrum may also be sacked before a ball is kicked given his recent comments on two podcasts, where he accused the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) of not meeting the needs of his players.

Led by star striker Asisat Oshoala, the Super Falcons are reportedly willing to go on strike for the team's first match against Canada on July 21.

It comes after the Nigerian Federation pointed to FIFA's recent announcement that all players in the group stage will be paid $30,000 each.

The match bonuses from Nigeria's three games in Group B - versus Canada, the Matildas and Ireland - were to be a separate payment.

Nigeria may boycott their first match at the Women's World Cup in Australia after the squad were informed they won't be paid tournament match bonuses (pictured, star striker Asisat Oshoala)

Coach Randy Waldrum is facing the sack after criticising the Nigerian Football Federation in two recent podcasts

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Waldrum has been at loggerheads with the Federation over unpaid wages, poor travel arrangements and the cancellation of a pre-tournament camp.

'I know we are not prepared the way we need to be … I've been very frustrated with the federation and the lack of support,' Waldrum said last month on the Sounding off on Soccer podcast.

'We were supposed to have a camp for 10 to 12 days in Nigeria before going to Australia for another 10 to 15 days, but the federation cancelled the home camp.

'We have less days than a College pre-season to prepare for the World Cup, and it blows my mind because we've known about this since last year.'

Nigeria need Asisat Oshoala (pictured right) to play if they are to be a genuine contender in the Women's World Cup

In response, Nigerian Federation representative Ademola Olajire accused Waldrum of 'shooting his mouth off' and said he 'should simply concentrate on the task at hand.'

Meanwhile, Canada's players are also fuming with their federation in relation to pay issues and Republic of Ireland coach Vera Pauw has denied allegations she was physically abusive towards players during her time in charge of the Houston Dash in the US back in 2018.

Ireland skipper Katie McCabe admitted the allegations surrounding Pauw have been an unwanted distraction.

The Matildas play Ireland in their World Cup on July 20, with Stadium Australia in Sydney tipped to be a sellout. 

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