Nigeria’s U23 coach, Samson Siasia says his boys are in fine fettle ahead of Saturday’s 2015 All Africa Games (AAG) qualifier against Gabon in Abuja.
The Dream Team VI, as the Nigeria team is fondly called, defeated the Gabonese 4-1 in Libreville and are now firm favourites to advance to the next round of the competition.
Reports had however surfaced last week that players of the Dream Team had expressed anger
following the refusal of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay them the “agreed $1,000 USD winning bonus” following the success in Gabon.
Siasia says he prefers not to discuss issues about money insisting that his charges are only concerned about playing football matches.
“The NFF did not say they will not pay the boys. Nobody complained about being paid $1,000. 00 too,” Siasia said.
Siasia added that winning the second leg fixture against Gabon remains the major objective for his team.
“We don’t want to talk about money because that will distract the players. The boys are not complaining about money and that is the most important things.
“These boys are very young boys that are looking to having a bright future. We are giving them the right platform and trust me, they will all tell you it’s not about money,” he said.
“Lies and cheap Blackmail”
Meanwhile, spokesman of the team, Timi Ebikagboro has reacted angrily to the reports that the players rejected their bonuses after the win in Libreville.
He revealed that “there was never any agreement” to pay the players $1,000.00 USD and that the players were never owed a dime by the NFF.
“I have heard stories about the agreed $1,000.00 USD rejected by the players and really, I don’t understand where the stories are coming from.
“The players were to receive $2,000.000 USD and they were duly paid shortly after the win in Gabon. They were also paid their camp allowances before we left for Gabon so I really don’t know where the stories of discontent were coming from.
“Also, anything that had to do with monies and payments to the players had nothing to do with the NFF but the National Sports Commission (NSC).
“We will not be distracted by these stories that are at best lies and cheap blackmail. We are committed to winning on Saturday (against Gabon) and qualifying Nigeria for the AAG.
“Our players know that this is a great platform for them to move on to the Super Eagles (senior national team). If they do well, Nigerians will clamour for them to be promoted.
“That, and not money, is paramount in their minds,” he said.
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