President Tinubu Clears Debts Owed to Nigerian Sporting Teams

In a pivotal move set to alleviate financial burdens haunting Nigerian sporting teams, President Bola Tinubu has taken the reins in clearing outstanding payments owed by the Federal Government.

The much-awaited announcement was made public via Tinubu’s Media Centre, underscoring the resolve to address long-standing financial discrepancies.

The salient points of the statement echo a commitment to rectify the prolonged deficit, encompassing a substantial sum of N12 billion aimed at alleviating financial strains plaguing various national teams. This momentous allocation includes provisions for the Super Eagles, among others, encompassing overdue salaries spanning a staggering 15 months. Additionally, it addresses pending allowances and commitments earmarked for the senior national teams, including the female contingent and the Under-20 national team.

“This long-awaited decision from President @officialABAT signals a turning point in our national sports landscape,” highlighted the statement from Tinubu’s Media Centre. The timing of this financial resolution aligns notably with the imminent participation of the Super Eagles in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, poised to kick off later this month.

This substantial move arrives in the wake of historical grievances within the sporting fraternity. Dating back to 2020, the Super Eagles voiced discontent over the Federal Government’s failure to disburse the approved N1.5 billion designated for their participation in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Reports indicated that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) had to reallocate funds, originally intended for the Super Falcons and Flying Eagles, to facilitate the Eagles’ preparation for the tournament.

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Furthermore, in a poignant disclosure made by Super Eagles captain Ahmed Musa in January 2022, it was revealed that the Federal Government owed player bonuses for two games. Musa’s candid revelation during a press conference in Abuja shed light on the players’ enduring financial grievances. “Regarding the bonus, I think they are just owing us for two games now. Yeah, two games,” Musa disclosed. He emphasized the need for deliberations with the coach and NFF officials to chart the way forward.

President Tinubu’s decisive action to clear these arrears comes as a beacon of hope for Nigerian sports, promising much-needed financial stability and bolstered morale for the nation’s revered sporting icons. The concerted effort to address these longstanding grievances showcases a commitment to prioritize and uplift the nation’s sporting legacy. As the Africa Cup of Nations beckons, this resolute move sets the stage for a renewed and invigorated Nigerian sporting contingent poised to make their mark on the international stage.