Officials of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have explained that the failure of the sports ministry to forward the soccer body’s financial subvention kept on hold an immediate payment of match bonuses for the Super Eagles, footballlive.ng learnt.
The players had expected to be paid immediately after their Africa Cup of Nations battle against Libya on Saturday, only to be informed afterwards that the money was not available.
Amidst a tepid atmosphere in the Eagles’ camp late Saturday, a top shot in the NFF said it was beyond their ability, since the body had not received their grant from the sports ministry.
The Eagles are due $5,000 a win and half that sum for a draw but, while the government of Akwa Ibom State sponsored all trappings for the game in Uyo, the NFF appeared just too cash strapped to meet their basic obligations to the players.
In an apparent understanding that money would also not be available for the second leg in Sfax, Tunisia on Tuesday, a number of big shots at The Glasshouse have now opted out of making the trip to North Africa with the team.
A credible source disclosed: “The players will be told their bonuses will be paid at a later date because the federation do not have the cash backup right now.”
