The Government of Edo State in South Nigeria has ruled that it will award equal pay to it's women's and men's football teams in a bid to end inequality in the game.

The women's side, The Edo Queens currently receive US$3,000 for a win and $1,500 for a draw at  major tournaments, while the men's side, Bendel Insurance, receive $10,000 and $5,000 respectively.

Deputy governor Philip Shaibu said: "We believe that there should be no discrimination between the male and female teams.

"Bendel Insurance standard and that of Edo Queens are going to be the same. There will be no gender discrimination among them in terms of welfare, in terms of salary.

"The plan is to make Edo Queens the highest paid female team in Nigeria. That is what we want to achieve," he finished.

The Edo Queens have never been relegated and have reached the FA Cup semi-final for the last four years in a row whereas their male counterparts have not reached an FA-Cup semi final for over 12.

"Why do we now pay Bendel Insurance more than them. Is it because they are women?" added Shaibu. "So we decided that we have to upgrade them to the same level."

The Super Falcons are the continent's most successful national side with nine titles and remain the only African team to have played at all eight Women's World Cup finals.