Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the Federal Government over reports that Super Eagles players are being owed allowances, describing the development as a reflection of a “now disgraced country.”
In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Obi described it as “truly unfortunate” that athletes who continue to represent Nigeria with dedication are being denied their entitlements, while the government wastes public funds on “unnecessary political patronage.”
He warned that neglecting national athletes sends a dangerous signal to Nigerian youth, adding that those who serve the country with pride and commitment deserve prompt payment and respect.
Obi said, “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances.
“We always seem to find money for needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag and bring us pride. That is the mark of a ‘now disgraced country.’
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not valued.
Those who represent Nigeria deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect. We must do better.”
Politics Nigeria earlier reported that Nigeria’s preparation for Thursday’s crucial World Cup qualifying match against Gabon suffered a major setback on Tuesday as the Super Eagles players and officials boycotted training in Morocco over unpaid bonuses and allowances reportedly owed them since 2023.
𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁𝘀𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹 𝗧𝗼 𝗚𝗲𝘁 𝗟𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗔𝘀 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗗𝗿𝗼𝗽!
