Eagles yet to get bonus

There were indications that the $15,000 graduated bonus promised each member of the Super Eagles for qualifying for the semi-finals was yet to be paid as the Nigeria Football Federation complained over lack of funds.

The NFF  said it was finding it difficult to fulfil its responsibility to the Super Eagles owing of lack of fund as Nigeria prepare to face Mali in the semi-finals on Wednesday.

A source from the NFF in Johannesburg said the body had a budget of N1.4bn submitted to the National Sports Commission but got around N400m at the start of the Nations Cup campaign.

“We don’t know exactly what is going on. We are still expecting money from the NSC so that we can pay our debt and fulfil other responsibilities to the team. They have done well by reaching the semi-finals and we should show our appreciation,” said the source who preferred to be anonymous.

He said the Eagles have shown great understanding so far but expressed the fear that they could be discouraged to offer their best if they were not adequately motivated.

The source however said that there was hope because of the team’s performance, adding that the NSC was likely to be preparing to pay the money before the match with Mali.

“We have hope that with the progress we have achieved, the money will come before Wednesday,” he said.