Players and officials of the Super Eagles have debunked reports in the media that they have received $2,000 match bonus and other camp allowances at the African Nations Championship in Rwanda.
Some of the players who spoke exclusively to Goal said they only received assurance that the money would be paid as soon as possible, but nothing yet.
“I haven’t heard something like that here,” said a player who craved anonymity.
“I am yet to collect a dime since we resumed in camp in December and all what we were told was that the money will be paid very soon.”
Another player who also didn’t want his name in print was not happy with such reports as he said people have been calling him from home over the story.
“I don’t know where they are getting such rumours from, we are yet to get anything and I hope they are not trying to tell the world we have been paid when they are yet to do so,” he said.
Reacting to the story, the team’s media officer Toyin Ibitoye said they are still waiting for the money as the sports minister has given his word to that effect.
“We are yet to be paid but it is nothing to worry about because the minister for youth and sports, Solomon Dalung, personally assured us that everything will be sorted out,” he said.
“He made the team to understand the situation the country is in at the moment in terms of cash flow, and that the budget for the tournament has been approved while telling the players to go ahead and do their work.
“The minister said very soon that all the issues of lack of money will be settled. He also assured us that this will be the last time something of this nature will happen because henceforth they will be planning ahead so that the team will not start a tournament before their bonuses get to them.”
Ibitoye added that it is in the boys’ favour to be winning because the farther they get in this tournament the better for them financially.
