Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the continued non-payment of match allowances owed to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, describing it as a national embarrassment.
In a post on his official Facebook page, Obi expressed concern that Nigeria keeps creating negative narratives even at moments when citizens desperately need unity and positive distractions.
According to him, the Super Eagles have lifted the nation’s spirit through their recent performances, bringing pride to Nigerians at home and abroad, yet are now being subjected to avoidable distractions due to 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 priorities, noting that while huge sums are written off for government agencies and political allies, and billions spent on grandiose, self-serving projects, authorities seem unable to meet basic obligations to national representatives.
Obi warned that the situation damages Nigeria’s international image and unfairly piles pressure on the players ahead of a crucial quarter-final clash.
“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.
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