THIS DAWN — Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the federal government over its failure to pay match allowances owed to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles.
Obi described the situation as an embarrassment that undermines the morale of players and damages Nigeria’s international image.
Obi’s Statement
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Obi lamented that Nigerians cannot go through a day without troubling news.
He noted that at a time when the Super Eagles have been uniting the country through their victories and lifting national spirits, they are being denied basic entitlements.
“A country that writes off trillions in debts for government agencies and political allies, and squanders money on grandiose, self-serving projects, now struggles to pay the basic match bonuses owed to our players,” Obi said.
He stressed that the allowances had been agreed upon before the tournament and should have been honored without delay.
Impact on the Super Eagles
The Super Eagles are currently preparing for a crucial quarter-final match.
Obi warned that the distractions caused by unpaid allowances could affect team performance.
He emphasized that the players deserve better treatment, given their role in bringing joy and unity to Nigerians during challenging times.
“The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match,” he added.
Broader Implications
Obi’s remarks highlight broader concerns about governance and fiscal priorities in Nigeria.
He contrasted the government’s willingness to forgive massive debts and fund extravagant projects with its inability to meet basic obligations to athletes representing the nation.
According to him, such failures tarnish Nigeria’s international image and reflect poorly on its commitment to honoring agreements.
He urged the government to learn to fulfill its obligations consistently.
Obi ended his statement with a call for accountability and reform, reiterating his campaign mantra: “A New Nigeria is POssible.”
His intervention has sparked debate among citizens, many of whom share frustration over the government’s handling of sports funding and broader governance issues.
