Gallant Falcons pocket N1bn, reach W’Cup last 16

<p>Following their progression to the round of 16 at the ongoing Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand on Monday, the entire 23-woman Super Falcons squad are guaranteed $1,380,000 (N1,062,600,000, as at Monday’s exchange rate) as prize money from world body FIFA for the biggest edition of the tournament, The PUNCH reports.</p>, <p>The Nigerians booked their spot in the round of 16 of the competition for the third time in nine appearances after a goalless draw against the Republic of Ireland in their last group game on Monday to place second behind co-hosts Australia in Group B.</p>, <p>Randy Waldrum’s ladies finished with five points, one point behind The Matildas, who thumped Canada 4-0 in their last game as well to move ahead of Nigeria.</p>, <p>After securing a goalless draw in their first game against Olympic champions Canada, the Falcons followed it up with a stunning 3-2 win over co-hosts Australia, before finishing the job with the stalemate against the already eliminated Ireland.</p>, <p>The Falcons also ended the group stage unbeaten to become the only African country among the continent’s four representatives at the tournament.</p>, <p>The Falcons will know their round of 16 foes — Group D winners — who are likely going to be European champions England or Denmark on Tuesday (today).</p>, <p>For progressing, each member of the 23-woman Falcons squad will get a whopping $60,000 (N46.2m as at Monday’s exchange rate), $30, 000 being their prize money in the group stage and another $30,000 for reaching the last 16.</p>, <p>All players of the 32 teams at the tournament were guaranteed $30,000 for appearing in the group stage and the Falcons will now top it up with another $30,000 when they file out in the round of 16 next Monday.</p>, <p>“That is a lot of money, and it can be used for a lot of things. I know definitely a lot of my teammates are happy for that money. I’m definitely happy for that money,” Falcons right-back Michelle Alozie, said.</p>, <p>Further progress into the quarter-finals will at