Dare Babalola
Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has revealed that all outstanding funds allocated to the Nigeria’s national football team have been paid.
This was contained in a post he shared via his verified X account on Wednesday evening, confirming that the team is focused and ready for its crucial game ahead.
Earlier, Troost-Ekong explained that the team’s decision not to train was due to unpaid bonuses and allowances owed since 2019.
He dismissed reports that the players were demanding a special bonus ahead of Thursday’s World Cup playoff against Gabon, stressing that their only concern is receiving what they are rightfully owed.
“Once resolution is found, we will be the first to confirm. Any other statement or demand apart from the rightful request is false. All we want and continue to do is focus on the big games ahead,” the captain stated earlier.
He maintained that the players’ action was to draw attention to the issue, not to make new demands.
However, in the recent post, Troost-Ekong wrote, “Issue RESOLVED. Outstanding financials cleared and on ground. Team is UNITED and focussed as before on representing NIGERIA with our maximum for the games ahead! 🇳🇬 @NGSuperEagles”
Meanwhile, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olapade, has clarified that all funds allocated to the national football team have been duly remitted to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) since he assumed office.
Olapade made this known while addressing concerns raised about the team’s unpaid allowances and logistics issues, which reportedly led to the players’ decision to suspend training.
He emphasised that the NSC does not disburse money directly to players or team officials, as all financial transactions for national football matters are handled through the NFF.
“The NSC has remitted the funds to NFF as at when due since I became DG. Can’t be contradicted. NSC pays to the NFF and all expenditures for their activities is done by them. Up until yesterday, there has not been a reason to query. So wait and see. All I can say for now,” he said.
