MORALE BOOSTER: Super Eagles promised $20,000 per goal in 2nd outing with Cameroon
Aka Udofia, a Nigerian businessman, has offered the Super Eagles $20,000 for each goal they score in Monday’s second-leg qualifying cracker against Cameroon.
The players had trounced the Indomitable Lions 4-0 during the first leg in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state capital.
A statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) said Udofia made the promise when he greeted the players and NFF officials at the Ibom International Airport, Uyo, just before take-off to Cameroon on Sunday afternoon.
“I am a good friend of the NFF President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, and I am happy that I am here in time to see you guys before take-off for Yaounde,” he was quoted to have said.
“I watched the game against the Cameroonians here in Uyo on Friday and I am sure you have the ability to conquer them again in their own territory.”
Udofia, who is the chief executive officer of Desicorn Company, announced to the applause of players and officials that “I promise to reward you with $20,000 for every goal scored in Yaounde”.
Nigeria will play Cameroon in Yaounde in a day-four encounter of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifying race.
With five points clear of second-placed Zambia and seven ahead of third-placed Cameroon, Nigeria are in a good position.
Pinnick charged the players not to take their feet off the pedal, rather to approach Friday’s leg in Uyo with passion and to play with their “heart, soul and spirit.”
“The Cameroonians will come at us with everything on Monday, knowing they have to get a result and with anger born out of their humiliation in Uyo,” he said.
“The ticket to Russia from Africa Group B appears to be taking on the green-white-green colour already, but we must not relent. We must fight hard for every ball for the 90 minutes.”
Before their first leg with Cameroon, Solomon Dalung, sports minister, had announced a cash reward of five million naira for each goal scored by the players.
Also, Udoh Emmanuel, Akwa Ibom state governor, had promised to reward them with $10,000 for each goal scored against the reigning African champions.
