Players of Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be laughing all the way to the bank if they are able to find their scoring boots in their remaining matches at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations after billionaires Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola promised them a $75,000-reward for every goal they score.
Dangote made a pledge of $50,000 while Otedola promised $25,000 for every goal in their remaining two matches at the championship, a statement issued by the Nigeria Football Federation disclosed.
The statement added, “On a visit to the team’s Le Meridien Cairo Airport Hotel on Thursday morning, during which he urged the players to even redouble their efforts in order to cross the semi-final stage on Sunday, President of the NFF, Mr Amaju Pinnick, put a call through to the two well-known philanthropists and tasked them to commit to supporting the team.
“Dangote, who holds Nigeria’s second highest national honour (GCON) is the President of Dangote Group and is ranked as the richest person of African descent in the world. The Dangote Group has interests in various commodities in Nigeria and other African countries.
“Oil baron Otedola has recently been involved in a number of commendable interventions for ailing former Nigerian international players, including 1980 AFCON winning team –captain Christian Chukwu and goalkeeper Peter Fregene.
“Further words of encouragement came from His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) following Wednesday night’s victory, with the President urging the team and their handlers to be focused, disciplined and scale the remaining two hurdles to glory.”
It will be recalled that following their Round of 16 defeat of Cup holders Cameroon in Alexandria on Saturday, businessman Captain Hosa Wells Okunbor pledged the sum of $20,000 for every player, while Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State gave $5,000 to every player.
Nigeria defeated South Africa 2-1 to advance to the semi-final of the competition.
Source: graphic.com.gh
