Obi urges respect for national team amid bonus dispute

Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on the Federal Government to pay the Super Eagles their outstanding allowances and bonuses.

This comes after the national team refused to train in Rabat due to unpaid dues.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Obi criticised the government for not paying the players who proudly represent Nigeria and bring pride to the nation.

He wrote, “It is really sad that our Super Eagles, who always give their best for the country, are still owed money. We often spend on unnecessary lavish projects, yet we cannot pay those who serve our nation with dedication.

This is what happens in a now disgraced country.”
Obi stressed that failing to reward hard work sends the wrong message to young people.

“When those who serve the country are not treated with respect, it tells our youth that dedication and hard work are not valued. Those representing Nigeria should be paid promptly and treated well. We must do better,” he added.

It would be recalled  that the players and some technical staff of the Super Eagles skipped training on Tuesday.

The dispute was not about daily allowances, which the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) had promised to pay, but about the winning bonuses for the playoff matches.

Sources said the players asked for $15,000 per match, totaling $30,000 for the two matches, but the NFF offered $10,000 per match.

Until the issue is resolved, training will remain suspended, and there is a chance they could miss the Gabon match.
According to the source, the bonus amount has been a matter of debate for years.

Players used to receive $5,000 per match, which was later increased to $10,000 when Amaju Pinnick became NFF president.

Some officials had wanted to reduce it back to $5,000, but it stayed at $10,000. Now, players want $15,000 per match, pointing out that other countries like Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon have higher bonuses.