Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi has pledged to personally cover unpaid player bonuses in a bid to prevent disruption ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria in Marrakesh.
The Super Eagles had threatened to boycott the 4:00 pm kick-off after bonuses for four straight victories at the tournament remained unpaid. Nigeria have beaten Tanzania (2–1), Tunisia (3–2), Uganda (3–1) and Mozambique (4–0) en route to the last eight.
“I don’t want it to disrupt our preparation,” Ndidi said, as tensions grew within the camp.
Players of the Super Eagles were prepared to refuse to train or travel to Marrakesh if the issue was not resolved, but the dispute now appears close to being settled following government intervention.
Nigeria’s Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has assured players that the outstanding payments will be made Thursday or Friday, explaining that the delay was caused by difficulties in converting funds into foreign currency.
“The final payments are currently being processed,” she said, according to Punch.
In the meantime, Ndidi has offered further reassurance to his teammates. BBC journalist Olúwashínà Okeleji reports that the Besiktas midfielder has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the squad focused on football.
He has also moved to ease concerns by promising to pay the owed bonuses himself should the authorities fail to honour their commitment, ensuring Nigeria remain fully focused on their quarter-final clash with Algeria.
By: Pascal Amoah
