The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for approving the N12 billion disbursement to address the outstanding backlog owed to Nigeria’s national teams.

Speaking in Abuja on Friday, Enoh said the gesture would go a long way in boosting the morale of the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kick-off on Saturday in Cote d’Ivoire.

The payment encompasses the settlement of senior national team coach salaries spanning 15 months and bonuses owed to both senior and junior national teams (male and female).

“This significant financial injection is particularly timely, as it arrived just when the preparations of the Super Eagles for the AFCON struck top gear,” he said.

The minister thanked Mr Tinubu for approving the funds, noting that “it reflects his love for sports.”

He added that the approval serves as a morale booster for the teams involved and underscores the government’s dedication to fostering excellence in Nigerian sports on the continental stage.

“This explains why he made sports development a stand-alone ministry, to pay closer attention to its pertinent issues.

“On behalf of the Ministry and the NFF, I thank President Bola Tinubu,” Enoh added.

He assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles would do everything to make the nation proud at the continental showpiece.

Nigeria takes on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in its first game at the AFCON before tackling Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau in their other group games. 

(NAN)