The Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick has appealed for more time in order to clear the backlog of allowances and bonuses being owed the Super Eagles since 2019.
The NFF boss made this appeal during an interview with the BBC as he admitted that the federation has indeed been failing in its financial responsibilities to the national team in recent times due to cash crunch.
Top journalist Osasu Obayiwuana had revealed a few weeks back that since the semifinal game at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, Super Eagles players have not been duly paid for their services afterward.
“We are working with the government very seriously in assuring that it [money] comes out within the next few weeks,” Pinnick told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s been tough financially for us and we’ve had to depend on support from our sponsors in the last four matches.
“I personally understand the players should be paid what they are owed because we’ve always ensured prompt payment in the past.
“They’ve shown remarkable professionalism, if they can just bear with us, this is something I am hoping to resolve as soon as possible.”
For the players, they are no longer finding this situation any funny and they have spoken against it even though they have chosen to stay anonymous for the fear of being victimized.
“I don’t think they NFF officials] can keep quiet if they’re unpaid by their bosses. They’re quick to blame the players for defeats but happy to celebrate the success of the team.
“If the players go on strike they blame us for being money hungry and selfish yet this is money they owe us.
“There are [training] camp allowances and match bonuses not paid to us and the technical crew since July 2019 and that’s not good.” One of the aggrieved players was quoted on the BBC.
While the Super Eagles’ issue is at the fore, it is not impossible that a similar situation is playing out across the other national teams.
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