The Super Eagles of Nigeria will receive a whopping $24 million as winning bonus if they come top at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick says.
He told newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday during a parley that the money was part of the agreement reached with the players to share 50-50 if they reach the final or win the World Cup.
“I don’t put players under pressure. Pressure can be put on them unconsciously because we are creating enabling environment for them.
“If for example we don’t have money to prepare them, they can now relax but now, we have given them everything upfront and they should deliver.
“If today they get to the final, the World Cup money will be shared 50-50 between the team and the NFF.
“Winning the final is 48 million dollars, it means the team will get 24 million dollars and the football house will take the remaining 24 million dollars,” Pinnick said.
He also spoke on the arrangement of grade A friendlies for the Super Eagles ahead of the world cup. Nigeria is expected to play England and Czech before the Mundial.
Pinnick added that the glass house had already secured 2.8 million dollars to pay the players allowances and bonuses during the mundial.
“We are ready to play against England on June 2 in London in an international friendly. We had a conclusive meeting with the England FA.
“After the England match, we will play Czech Republic and from there we move to Russia. As it is everything is going on very well.
“For the world cup, I don’t think we have any problem, I am in touch with the technical committee. It is the desire of every Nigerian to see the Super Eagles do well at the World Cup.
“We had a meeting with the team, we signed a contract with them and ready to pay them 20 per cent of eight million dollars which is what is accrued to us for the World Cup.
“At the end of the day it amounts to 2.8million dollars which will go to the players. The money is almost 100 per cent ready,” Pinnick added