NFA : Dream Team Will No Earn beyond the $750 bonus

No bonus adjustment will be made for the Dream Team ahead of tomorrow’s Beijing 2008 qualifier against South Africa, THISDAYSports understands.
The Nigerian U-23 side coached by Samson Siasia face a must win test against the Amaglug-glug in order to nick the group ticket ahead of Ghana, which presently leads Nigeria by two points.
Press learnt last night that the NFA has reiterated its position to the team officials that it would not go beyond the $750 (N87500) bonus ceiling.
The fixed amount was the package the team earned for the draw against Ghana in Accra late year which sustained their Beijing 2008 dreams.
It was gathered that NFA Chairman Sani Lulu has done his personal best to raise the spirit of the players by asking them to put national interest first.
Camp sources hinted last night that U-23 coaches have communicated the official position to the team and have tasked the players not to put monetary reward before the task at hand.
“The players are already aware that there will be no bonus adjustment for the match against South Africa. They are entitled to a flat rate of $750. Their coaches have drummed it upon them that at this stage sealing the Olympic ticket is important than money. They must actualise the task at hand first,” disclosed our source.
Meanwhile, Everton striker Victor Anichebe, France-based defenders, Taiye Taiwo and Onyekachi Apam swelled the rank of the U-23s after hitting camp yesterday.
Striker Solomon Okonkwo was expected to arrive yesterday night from Germany.
Mikel Obi is, however, ruled out because of club commitments, although FA officials are unhappy that unlike Everton striker Victor Anichebe, who arrived yesterday after featuring in the Premiership on Saturday, the Chelsea star sent word that he would only be able to arrive today.
However, his request has been turned down. And FA officials are unhappy that Mikel could have arrived the country yesterday if he had wanted too by catching a flight out of London after Chelsea’s derby clash with Arsenal.
“He (Mikel) could have made it in yesterday if he had wanted to after all the match took place in London and he could have caught any one of the flights to Lagos later in the evening. He just did not want to make the effort, perhaps he believes the team (Dream Team IV) can do without him,” said an angry FA official yesterday.
Speaking before he left London Anichebe had insisted he would be able to handle the pressure if given a starting place tomorrow.
“I can handle the pressure,” he told KickOffNigeria.com.
“International football is not easy; but if the manager picks me, all I can do is go there and do my best.
“I hear that people will be expecting a lot from me, but I am just another footballer like the rest of the lads and all we can do is do our jobs properly without thinking about pressure.
“I know there are some very good footballers in the team and I am looking forward to being part of that,” he said.
There were fears over the striker’s injury status following a thigh strain last week, but he assured KickOffNigeria.com that he was fully fit.
“That was a minor problem but it is sorted out now and I should be fit to play.”
The Dream Team stepped up their preparation for the decisive Olympic fixture by refusing to go on break during the Easter break.