BY Chinonso Nnorom
The Nigeria Football Federation(NFF) might yet be running into another controversy concerning non-payment of bonuses for another set of players, this time the Super Sand Eagles who lost in the final of the Africa Beach Soccer Nations Cup but qualified for the Beach Soccer World Cup scheduled for Bahamas in 2017.
The much publicised face-off with the Super Falcons was resolved by the federal government after the eight-time African champions refused to leave their Agura Hotel in Abuja and embarked on a protest to the national assembly.
They were eventually paid their entitlements, although not in full, on Friday.
Just three days on, TheCable understands that the Super Sand Eagles are complaining of being owed the bonuses for the just concluded 2016 African Beach Soccer African Cup of Nations, as well as a backlog of bonuses running till 2012.
The players insist they are owed $2,000 each for the 2012 Dubai Samsung Invitational Intercontinental Championship, where 12 players represented the country.
“It’s terrible because we are always short-changed,” said one of the players, who did not want to be named.
“From 2012, we have always been in this dilemma for our entitlements. Instead of the agreed $2,000, what we usually get when they pay is the sum of N200,000 naira — without explanation.
“Balance for the 2013 Nations Cup in Morocco is $1200. For the 2015 Copa Lagos, the organizers owe us N40,000 as well as camping allowance of 13 days at N26,000. Then also the appearance fee of $1000. We don’t know who to talk to on it till now.”
A source familiar with the workings of the team told TheCable that camping allowances for the 2016 edition is N2,000 daily per player, which amounts to N82,000 per player.
“Traveling for one week at $100 per day amounts to $700,while transportation is N50,000 per player. Then there is the $3,500 each that was agreed on for qualification for the World Cup.”
When contacted, one of the team officials told TheCable that everything was under control.
The official, who asked for his identity to be protected, said: “Its well, NFF Vice-President Barrister Akinwunmi was here this morning and met with the team.
“He promised them that everything will be sorted that they should bear with the federation. Right now as we speak, they are all leaving the Eko Hotel camp and the NFF will notify them soonest and do the needful.”
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