Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the failure to pay match allowances owed to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles, calling it a “national embarrassment” that undermines the country’s image and morale.

Obi shared his concerns on his official Facebook page, highlighting that Nigeria continues to generate troubling news even during moments when citizens need unity and positive distractions.

He noted that the Super Eagles have been a source of national pride, lifting spirits at home and abroad with their recent victories, yet they are facing unnecessary distractions due to unpaid bonuses.

“At a time when Nigerians need joy and unity—something the Super Eagles have been providing by winning matches and lifting our spirits worldwide—these same players are being denied their basic match allowances,” Obi said.

He questioned the country’s priorities, pointing out that while huge sums are written off in debts for government agencies and political allies, and spent on grandiose, self-serving projects, authorities struggle to meet basic obligations to national representatives.

“A country that writes off trillions in debts and squanders money on grandiose projects now struggles to pay basic match bonuses owed to our players,” he added.

Obi warned that this negligence tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation and places undue pressure on players ahead of a critical quarter-final encounter. He called the failure to honor pre-tournament agreements “unacceptable.”

“The Super Eagles do not deserve this embarrassment or the avoidable distractions ahead of a crucial quarter-final match. Nigeria must learn to fulfil its obligations,” he stressed.

He concluded by reaffirming his message of national renewal: “A New Nigeria is possible.”