Photo file: Super-Eagles

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has called on the Federal Government to immediately settle the outstanding allowances and bonuses owed to the Super Eagles, following the team’s boycott of a training session in Rabat, Morocco, over unpaid dues.

In a post on X on Wednesday, Obi criticised what he described as the government’s “habitual neglect” of athletes who bring honour to the country, noting that such treatment discourages patriotism and undermines national pride.

“It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” Obi wrote. “We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag and bring us pride.”

The former Anambra State governor stressed that failure to reward service sends the wrong message to young Nigerians.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youths that hard work and service are not rewarded,” he said. “Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better.”

Sources within the national team revealed that the standoff was not about daily allowances but about the amount of the winning bonus for the play-off ties. The players reportedly demanded $15,000 per match—$30,000 in total—while the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) offered $10,000 per match.

The players have insisted that training will remain suspended until a resolution is reached, raising fears of a possible boycott of their upcoming tie against Gabon.

According to the source, the bonus dispute dates back several administrations. Players were initially paid $5,000 per match before former NFF president Amaju Pinnick increased it to $10,000.
“They now want $15,000, arguing that other countries like Cameroon, DR Congo, and Gabon have raised their own winning bonuses, so Nigeria should do the same,” the source added.