Nigeria’s national teams of various sports have received a boost as the Federal Government approved the payment of N12 billion outstanding backlog of salaries and allowances. The payment covers the senior national team coach’s salaries for up to 15 months, as well as the allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, female and the Under-20 national team.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, on Sunday. The statement said the payment was part of the government’s commitment to support the development of sports in the country and motivate the athletes to excel in their respective fields.
The approval came at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to participate in the 2023 African Cup of Nations, which will be held in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 12, 2024. The Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, had earlier named his final 25-man squad list for the tournament, where Nigeria will face two-time winners and host nation, Ivory Coast, as well as Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau in Group A.
The payment also benefits other national teams that have represented Nigeria in various continental and global competitions, such as the Super Falcons, the D’Tigers, the D’Tigress, the Golden Eaglets, the Flying Eagles, and the Falconets. Some of these teams have been owed salaries and allowances for several years, leading to protests and boycotts in some cases.
The news of the payment was welcomed by many stakeholders in the Nigerian sports sector, who praised the government for fulfilling its obligations and showing appreciation to the national teams. Some of the beneficiaries also expressed their gratitude and relief, saying the payment would help them to focus on their careers and perform better for the country.
The payment of the N12 billion backlog of salaries and allowances is expected to boost the morale and confidence of the national teams, as well as improve their ranking and reputation in the international sports arena. It is also hoped that the payment will inspire more young Nigerians to pursue their dreams and talents in sports and contribute to the growth and development of the nation.
Source: The Guardian Nigeria
