Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the continued non-payment of match allowances owed to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, describing it as an embarrassment that tarnishes the country’s image and undermines team morale.
Obi made the remarks in a statement posted on his official Facebook page, where he expressed concern that Nigeria continues to generate negative headlines at moments when citizens most need unity and positive national symbols.
According to him, the Super Eagles have remained a major source of pride for Nigerians at home and abroad, lifting national spirits through their recent victories, yet are being subjected to avoidable distractions due to the failure of authorities to honour agreed match bonuses.
“At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity—something the Super Eagles have been providing by winning matches and lifting our spirits worldwide—these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,” Obi stated.
He questioned the nation’s priorities, noting that while massive sums are written off in debts for government agencies and political allies, and spent on what he described as grandiose and self-serving projects, the country struggles to meet basic obligations to its national representatives.
“A country that writes off trillions in debts and squanders money on grandiose projects now struggles to pay basic match bonuses owed to our players,” he said.
Obi warned that the situation not only damages Nigeria’s international reputation but also places unnecessary pressure on the players ahead of a crucial quarter-final encounter. He stressed that failing to honour pre-tournament agreements was unacceptable.
“The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match. Nigeria must learn to fulfil its obligations,” he added.
He concluded by reiterating his long-standing call for national reform, insisting that “a New Nigeria is possible.”
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