Fatimah Otunsanya
Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to pay the Super Eagles their outstanding allowances and bonuses after the national team boycotted a training session in Rabat over unpaid dues.
In his post on X on Wednesday, Obi criticised the government’s failure to promptly compensate the athletes who patriotically raised the nation’s flag and brought pride to the nation.
He wrote, “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances.
“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a ‘now disgraced country.’”
The former Anambra State governor emphasised the need to reward hard work and service, warning that neglecting such values sends a detrimental message to the youth.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youths that hard work and service are not rewarded.
“Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better,” he said.
The disagreement was not over the players’ daily allowances, which the NFF had promised to pay, but the amount of the winning bonus for the play-off ties.
According to sources, the players requested $15,000 for each match, totalling $30,000, but the NFF offered $10,000 per match.
They insisted that until a resolution was reached, training would remain suspended, and a boycott of the Gabon tie was a possibility.
The source explained to the newsmen history of the bonus dispute, noting that players previously received $5,000 per match, and when Amaju Pinnick assumed office, he doubled the amount to $10,000.
Even so, some officials argued for a reduction back to $5,000, creating controversy.
“Eventually, the amount was kept at $10,000 per player per match. Now all the players are requesting $15,000 per match.