The Nigerian government has paid a total of 17 billion naira to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to clear outstanding bonuses and allowances for the Super Eagles and other national teams, according to Sports Minister John Owan Enoh.
In an interview on Eagle7 FM, the Sports Minister disclosed that the payment was made in tranches to the ministry, which was then transferred to the NFF. He noted that the initial amount was 12 billion naira, but it increased to 17 billion naira due to foreign exchange variations.
President Bola Tinubu graciously approved the intervention fund, the minister said. However, contrary to the minister's claims, SCORENigeria reported that the Super Eagles and other national teams covered by this intervention fund, including the Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets, and Falconets, have yet to receive the payments.
This development has raised questions about the effectiveness of the government's intervention and the transparency of the payment process. The NFF and the Sports Ministry have yet to provide clarity on the matter, leaving many to wonder if the funds have indeed been disbursed to the intended beneficiaries.