Minister of Sports, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi surprised the Super Eagles yesterday morning with a fulfillment of his earlier pledge of a $100, 000 bonus promised them by the sports ministry if they defeat Ghana.
The minister confirmed the payment, saying Nigerians should continue to support the team.
Nigeria will now play the third-placed match against Zimbabwe on Saturday in Cape Town.
NFF President, Aminu Maigari, who himself personally doled out $10, 000 to the team before the Ghana game on Wednesday, assured the minister that the team will get better as it prepares for the Brazil 2014 World Cup. He said earnest preparations are already in place for an outstanding outing by the team at the championship.
Team Coach, Stephen Keshi and Captain Chigozie Agbim, assured that the team will not disappoint in the third place game to be played on Saturday in Cape Town. Keshi thanked the minister for his support for the team and assured that the team will get better with every opportunity on offer.
However, Nigeria’s coach Stephen Keshi had said they were edged out of CHAN by Ghana as a result of anxiety on the part of the players.
Debutants Nigeria lost the CHAN semi-final to Ghana after a penalty shootout when there were no goals in normal and extra time.
“There was so much anxiety because the players wanted to do so much,” lamented Stephen Keshi.
“We wish to thank Nigerians for their prayers and support for this team.”
Substitute, Joshua Obaje said they were unlucky not to go through to the final against Libya this weekend.
“We were just unlucky not to beat Ghana. We didn’t deserve to lose the game, we put in our best, did all but we couldn’t score and lost through penalties,” Obaje said.
“All the same, we hope to improve for our next game.”
However, Nigeria might be missing several players for their next game after they suffered serious injuries against the very physical Black Stars.
Rabiu Ali, Solomon Kwambe and Kunle Odunlami are all on the treatment table.
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