Cash-strapped Warri Wolves’ players grumble, as team prepares for Burkina Faso

THIS is not the best of times for Warri Wolves FC, one of Nigeria’s representative in this year’s CAF Confederations Cup.

   Wolves are expected to start their continental adventure this weekend against Racing Club de Bobo-Dioulasso (RCB) in Burkina Faso, but a source close to the club told The Guardian Monday that all is not well in their camp.  

  The Seasiders, who secured the continental ticket courtesy of a third place finish in the Nigeria Professional League (NPL) 2014 season, is said to be facing serious financial difficulties, which the source said might affect their trip unless the state government moved fast to settle the situation.

  The Guardian learnt Monday that Wolves is yet to pay 30 per cent of sign-on fees to the players for the 2013/2014 season. Apart from the 30 percent sign-on fees, the club is said to owe the players and their officials two months salaries.

  If things work according to plans, Wolves will arrive Lagos Wednesday and depart for Burkina Faso the next day.

  “Some officials have been using their personal money to run the club for sometimes now,” the source said. 

 “Since the conclusion of the Pre-season Super Six tournament in Abuja, these officials have been begging the players not to allow the non-payment of their sign-on fees affect our trip to Burkina Faso. But things seem to be getting out of hands because the players want their money for last season paid before the trip. It is really bad that the only football club owned by Delta State government is being treated this way.”

  Efforts to speak with the club Chief Executive Officer, Davidson Owumi yesterday were unsuccessful.

  The first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup is scheduled for the weekend of February 13, 14 and 15, while the return leg will be held on February 27 and 28 as well as March 1.

  The Guardian recalls that Wolves’ continental campaign last year ended on a poor note, after it failed in the second round of the CAF Confederation Cup. They were beaten 2-1 by Tunisian side, CA Bizertin, in the return leg, after the first leg ended goalless at the Warri City Stadium. Four years ago, the club complained bitterly of poor financial support from the state government in their continental campaign, which also ended on a poor note. They were beaten 2-0 by CAT Football Club in Harare, Zimbabwe, after a 2-1 win in Warri.