The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) will for the first time pay players at the competition directly for their participation in the 2023 Women's World Cup.

According to the FIFA Secretary-General, Fatma Samoura, the Super Falcons of Nigeria are one of the reasons why this initiative is being implemented.

She made the announcement to the Nigeria team in their dressing room at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium on Monday, following their 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland with secured their progression to the next round of the tournament.

“It is because of you (the Super Falcons) that for the first time in the history of FIFA, the Women’s World Cup prize money will be paid directly to you, the players,” Samoura revealed.

FIFA previously stated that each of the 732 World Cup players will be paid at least $30,000. If a team does well, the remuneration increases, with each participant on the winning team earning $270,000.

The $30,000 reward is considerable for many players: the average annual compensation for women who play professionally around the globe is $14,000.

Each Super Falcons player is entitled to $90,000 so far after qualifying for the round of 16 of the tournament. 

The Super Falcons, who had already received a $30,000 appearance fee from FIFA, now have a total of $120,000 - $30,000 for the Group Stage and $60,000 for the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Nigeria will face England in the Round of 16 on Monday, August 7, after the latter beat China 6-1 to top Group D.