Beijing 2008:NFA Prepared $750 winning bonus For Players

How strong the patriotic zeal of the Dream Team’s players will be put to the test in the crucial Olympic Games qualifier against South Africa in Abuja following the discovery that the boys will only be paid $750 winning bonus each.
The Nigeria’s U-23 team needs an outright win against South Africa in Abuja on March 26 to secure an Olympic football berth at the expense of Ghana.
But THISDAY Sports understands that for the decisive fixture the U-23 side will only be entitled to a winning bonus of $750 (about N87,500) unless the Nigeria Football Association (NFA) reviews the package.
Football house sources hinted us that the Samson Siasia led technical crew is concerned about the current package structure and has implored the NFA to review it in national interest before the Amagluglug come visiting.
According to our sources, team officials would want the NFA to accord the U-23 team similar treatment usually accorded to the Super Eagles in relation to match bonus package.
Traditionally the Eagles earn a flat $3000 (about N351, 000) as bonus for wins in key qualifying matches.
It was learnt that it was the same $750 in question that the NFA offered the players for the hard earned draw against Ghana in Accra of last year which sustained the Olympic aspiration of Nigeria.
“Their winning bonus has always been $750. I am aware that it was what they got against Ghana because the draw they pulled was equated to a win. While I know that nothing is on the table for now, however, I can tell you that it would be hard to cajole players with the usual package to go and beat the South Africans hands down,” said our source.
Nigeria, which trails Ghana by two points, must turn the South Africans to cannon fodders to secure the group ticket by one point.
Siasia, who is in the running for the Eagles job, has summoned over 40 players to camp for the make or mar match.
The team was also billed to travel to USA to honour an invitational tournament but visa delays has now prompted officials to defer the arrangement till after the game against South Africa as the tour will serve as part of preparation for the Olympics.
South Africa coach Steve Komphela only on Monday named an 18-man squad of largely home-based players for the trip to Nigeria.