Former Anambra State governor and Labour Party presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, has criticised the continued failure to pay match allowances owed to the Super Eagles, describing the situation as a national embarrassment that damages Nigeria’s image and morale.
Obi made the remarks in a statement shared on his official Facebook page, where he lamented that Nigeria continues to generate negative headlines even at moments when citizens desperately need unity and uplifting developments.
According to him, the Super Eagles have remained a major source of national pride, boosting the spirits of Nigerians at home and abroad through their recent victories, yet are now facing unnecessary distractions arising from unpaid 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 wrote.
He questioned the country’s sense of priority, pointing out that while enormous sums are written off as debts for government agencies and political allies, and billions are spent on what he described as extravagant and self-serving projects, authorities appear unable to meet basic obligations to 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 tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation but also places unfair pressure on the players ahead of an important quarter-final match. He stressed that failing to honour agreements reached before the tournament 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 restating his long-held belief in national reform, declaring that “a New Nigeria is possible.”
