ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has cleared the air on receipt of the Federal Government’s N12 billion intervention funds approved before the commencement of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
The Nigeria football governing body also explained further that the Super Eagles players, despite their commendable performance at the ongoing African Nations Cup in Cote D’Ivoire, will not be paid their match bonuses on match-to-match basis but would be paid based on their qualification for knock out stages.
This is contained in a press statement from the body on Tuesday which reads: “The Nigeria Football Federation has decried insinuations in some quarters that the Central Bank of Nigeria is delaying payments of match bonuses and allowances due to the Super Eagles at the ongoing 34th Africa Cup of Nations finals in Cote d’Ivoire.
“That is sheer idle talk without substance. The NFF is grateful to the CBN for the way and manner they have continued to expedite action on payment requests that we have sent to abound to this competition. It is unfair for anyone to concoct lies against the institution for whatever reasons.
“We have not experienced any delays or complication of processes at the CBN this time, and we give kudos to them for their diligence and great sense of duty,” NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, said on Tuesday.
Sanusi also heaped plaudits on the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh for the commendable role he continues to play in ensuring the welfare of Nigerian footballers, nay athletes, is paramount.
“We cannot thank the Honourable Minister enough for the noble and positive role that he continues to play in the development of Nigeria sports generally, especially his commitment to the welfare of the main actors in the game. He has led from the front in all our pursuits and we give him kudos for his efforts.”
Based on prior agreement with the NFF, the Super Eagles will be paid a qualification bonus for reaching the knockout rounds, and not the match-by-match payment option. Their match bonuses are also graduated as they progress in the tournament.
