Super Eagles players reportedly missed a
scheduled training session yesterday after a disagreement with officials of the
National Football Federation over bonus money.
BBC Sports reports that the players believe they
are each $15,000 (£8,800) short of what they were expecting for reaching the
last 16 in Brazil.
The players refused to train in Campinas on Thursday and NFF officials later confirmed the session had been cancelled.
BBC Sport has learned the problem lies in the
interpretation of the bonus structure, with the players believing they will
only receive $10,000 for their win 1-0 over Bosnia-Hercegovina and $5,000 for
the 0-0 draw with Iran.
The players' understanding was they would receive a $30,000
payment for qualifying from the group.
However, it is believed the Nigerian Football Federation's
offer to the players includes the agreed win and draw bonuses plus 30% of the
prize money due from Fifa for reaching the knockout stage.
This is understood to rise to 40% of the prize money from
Fifa if Nigeria were to win their round of 16 match, 50% for a quarter-final
victory, 60% for a win in the semi-final stage and 70% for lifting the trophy.
While all parties work to find a resolution to the
misunderstanding, coach Stephen Keshi has insisted it will not affect the
team's performance.
And it has been confirmed to the BBC that the players will
travel to Brasilia on Friday as scheduled and will train in the evening and
over the weekend.
No comments:
Post a Comment