Goodluck Jonathan Guarantees Payment Of Bonuses To The Super Eagles
President Goodluck Jonathan had to intervene and reassure Super Eagles’ players that the team would be paid its bonus money in full right after conclusion of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, BBC reports.
The players boycotted training on June 26, 2014, Thursday, therefore, forcing the president to issue guarantee.
Keshi’s boys fear they would not be paid after the tournament, just like after last year's Confederations Cup in Brazil.
Despite players’ demand to release the money now, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is not able to make the transaction before getting prize money from world’s football governing body, FIFA.
This deadlock attracted attention on the highest level possible.
There also appears to be an issue over the amount the players think they are owed.
Related: NFF Confirms Super Eagles' Bonuses For 2014 FIFA World Cup In Brazil
One of the aspects of the problem is the interpretation of the bonus structure. Players believe they would only receive USD10,000 for their 1-0 victory in the match against Bosnia-Herzegovina; USD5,000 for the 0-0 draw in the first match against Iran.
The players also expect to get a USD30,000 payment for qualifying to the LAST16.
However, it is believed the NFF's offer to the players includes the agreed win and draw bonuses plus 30% of the prize money due from FIFA for passing the group round.
The bonus will rise to 40% of the prize money from FIFA if Nigeria were to win their round of 16 match, 50% for a quarter-final win, 60% for a win in the semi-final stage and, finally, 70% for lifting the trophy.
Both of the parties are working intensively to find a resolution to the misunderstanding.
Related: Super Eagles Still Not In Brazil, 24 Hours To Crucial Match
It is not the first time the Super Eagles have issues over money and bonuses – in June 2013 last year they arrived to Brazil for the Confederations Cup off schedule because of them.
The Big Boss, Stephen Keshi is sure that monetary issues would not affect performance of the team. The Super Eagles are relocating to Brasilia on June 27, 2014, Friday, as scheduled. The team will train in the evening and during Saturday and Sunday.
The Super Eagles are to play versus France on June 30, 2014, Monday, 17:00 (Nigeria time).
Source: Legit.ng
