Five months after they won the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile, the Golden Eaglets could now heave a huge sigh of relief after they were paid their outstanding bonuses and allowances this week.
In November, Nigeria outscored fellow Africans Mali 2-0 to win a record fifth U17 World Cup.
A top official told only AfricanFootball.com: “Both players and officials have received their outstanding monies now. Government approved the funds for the competition, but the release was delayed. The NFF had to borrow to ensure the Eaglets featured at the tournament and it was only when the funds were released that they got their dues.”
The payment included daily allowances for the entire period they were out of the country, first in Argentina for pre-World Cup and then in Chile for the competition proper.
The win bonuses for the semi-final and final matches were also paid. It is estimated that each player received a total of about $8,000.