The Digest:
Ex-Super Eagles skipper Mikel Obi has disclosed how he bypassed the Nigeria Football Federation and contacted President Muhammadu Buhari's Chief of Staff to ensure millions of dollars in unpaid 2018 World Cup bonuses were delivered by private plane to the team's hotel.
Key Points:
- Mikel Obi revealed he contacted Abba Kyari, then Chief of Staff to President Buhari, over unpaid Super Eagles bonuses ahead of the 2018 World Cup.
- Players were owed qualification bonuses for months, with NFF officials repeatedly promising payment upon arrival at camp.
- After a week in camp with no payment and growing player anxiety, Mikel escalated the matter directly to the presidency.
- Within 24 hours of his call, a private plane delivered millions of dollars in cash to the team's hotel in Russia.
- Mikel personally received the cash and handed it to the team secretary, instructing that it go directly to the players.
- He stated he "went above the president of the NFF" to secure the funds, emphasizing the need to protect players' entitlements.
- The revelation highlights the systemic payment issues and extraordinary measures required within Nigerian football administration.
Sources: The Obi One Podcast, Complete Sports
