Stella Mbachu has come to the rescue of women footballers in the country. She is pleading the cause of Pelican Stars players being owed one year unpaid salaries by the Cross Rivers government. Goal reported that the unpaid salaries have now stretched to 14 months, since June 2019.

In April the Pelican Stars players protested at the Governor Ben Ayade’s office in Calabar.

Following the government’s continued delay, Nigeria legend backed the players on Wednesday stormed the governor’s office. It was to press their demands that the entitlements be offset without further delay.

Former Nigeria international star sympathised with the players while urging the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) to intervene in the matter. 

“Female players suffer a lot in Nigeria”. Mbachu,  who won multiple domestic titles with Rivers Angels, told Punch.

“We know that there are economic problems now. And many state governments are striving hard to keep things in shape. But to owe the players this much is not good for the club, the players and the nation. I will support players to protest what’s their due. I once played for Pelicans, but during our time, nothing like this happened. These players have needs and they have families. How would they take care of themselves if they are being owed?” She continued.

Pelican are the record Nigerian Women’s Premier League (NWPL) title winners with eight crowns for their record. Having made NWPL return for the 2020 season, they hope to challenge for glory for the first time since 2010 after their relegation to the second tier in 2018.