The Nigeria Football Federation has confirmed
receiving part of the money approved by the Federal Government for participation
of some National Teams in international competitions, including the Super
Eagles’ participation at the ongoing 32nd Africa Cup of Nations in
Egypt.
NFF’s Acting President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi (in
the absence of President Amaju Pinnick who is fully involved with organization
as President of AFCON) said on Tuesday that the Federation received part of the
money on Tuesday morning and had immediately launched the process to convert the
sum to American Dollars to pay the players their only outstanding entitlement –
the win bonus for the match against Burundi in Alexandria on Saturday evening –
and for subsequent matches.
“We want to specially thank His Excellency,
President Muhammadu Buhari for his keen interest in resolving this matter
quickly, which has enabled us to receive part of the money in record time. We have
immediately started the process of converting the money to American Dollars at
the Central Bank in order to pay the players the bonus for the win over Burundi
three days ago as well as plan for subsequent games.”
Akinwunmi added that on Monday, 24th June,
the NFF had transferred to the players and their officials their camp
allowances up to the last day of the group phase matches at the AFCON 2019, as
well as the appearance fee for the friendly against Zimbabwe in Asaba on 8th
June.
“We have paid these monies through our funds
managers, Financial Derivatives Company on Monday, 24th June 2019. The
only issue we had was that some of the players did not send their bank accounts
and instead authorized the bank to pay their monies to some other individuals. The
bank requested clear authorization for this to happen.
“I was on a telephone discussion with the Captain of
the team Mikel Obi this morning and can safely say that all clarifications have
been made and the usual cordial relationship and understanding between the
players and we the administrators is still intact. I have challenged them to go all out and win
the trophy assuring them that their monies all the way to the final is
guaranteed. It is now for the players to focus on the championship and deliver
glory to the nation. I have no doubt of their ability to do that.”
Akinwunmi also specially commended the maturity of
the team and its leaders, including skipper Mikel John Obi and for their
unflinching focus on the job at hand which is winning the AFCON Trophy.
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