Nigeria will now be fired up for tonight’s U23 AFCON final against Algeria after they were paid all their bonuses and camp allowances in Dakar, Senegal, in Naira.
“We have been paid finally!” screamed one of the delighted players.
“Algeria, now you are in trouble!”
They were paid the Naira equivalent of $3,000-a-man for the semi-final win over hosts Senegal, $2,000-a-man for the opening-day win over Mali, and $1,000 for the draws with Egypt and Algeria.
They were also paid $100 per day for the 10 days they trained in The Gambia prior to the U23 AFCON in next-door Senegal.
However, the bonus for the goalless draw with Congo Brazzaville in the qualifiers was not paid.
In the meantime, both Alhassan Yakmut from the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the new sports ministry permanent secretary are in Dakar to cheer the team to victory this night.
Tonight’s final will kick off at 8pm Nigerian time at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.
•Sourced from MTNFootball.com. Photo shows Nigeria U23 striker Junior Ajayi seeking to get the better of a goalkeeper in a previous match. He is expected to be on duty tonight against Algeria.
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