By KATE OBODO
Despite topping the Nigeria Premier League and campaigning in the 2011 Federation Cup, Dolphin Football Club of Port Harcourt players last Monday reportedly went on strike over financial related issues.

A source close to the club told Inside Out Premier League that the action was as a result of the non-payment of the sign-on-fee and match bonuses owed them by their management.

“What really happened was that the players agreed among themselves to go on strike after the Federation Cup is over and will not resume for the league because they are being owed but surprisingly they are already on strike. They feel with just four matches remaining for the league to end, if they do not press for their money, they will not be paid and it may be difficult getting it any more. If you may ask, what are they actually owing the players? Since this year, salaries have been very regular, but they have not been paid their sign-on-fee for this season and this is Week 34. Then their match bonuses too, at least 10 match bonuses or more. So that is what the players said they want. I want to believe that the owners of the club, the Rivers State government and the State’s Sports Ministry are working on it. The players may not know what work is being done until they see money in their accounts.

“Though promises have been made, that if they win the league or FA Cup, they will get more than they are being owed, but for sure the players will be paid. Why they get assurance from government to win the league and get awesomely rewarded is a different matter entirely. The people in question have needs to take care of and businesses to finance. They have been owed too long, that is why they went on strike,” the source narrated.

In confirming the strike action, captain of the team, Emma Godwin said, “ it is our right to protest and we deserve what we are demanding. We have been owed close to 17 match bonuses along side sign-on-fee, which the management is aware of and unless they pay us, we will not resume.”