President Bola Tinubu has approved the payment of N12 billion for backlog of outstanding allowances due for the national teams — Super Eagles and U-20 — as well as coaches of various sports.
Minister for Sports Development, Senator John Owan-Enoh disclosed at the occasion of his thanksgiving service to appreciate God for his appointment as Minister in the Federal executive cabinet.
He noted that no president of the country has shown the level of commitment displayed by President Tinubu in the development of sports in the country.
“The senior team national coach has not been paid for 15 months, the salary is about $1.350 million. The senior national team and other national teams; females, under 20 had a backlog of unpaid allowances, unpaid promises, and all of that piling up close to about N12 billion, the president has approved all of that payment. There’s no better way to show support and leadership than what he has done.”
The minister restated Tinubu‘s commitment to returning joy and happiness to Nigerian homes because when we win there’s happiness spread across the land and we are working hard.
He challenged the Super Eagles ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, adding that the whole country would be waiting in anticipation of the outcome of their matches from the continental fiesta.
He admitted the controversial nature of the sporting sector but reckoned he has been able to navigate through with proper diligence despite the fact that the country will be competing on many fronts.
“People say I got the toughest job as the minister of Sport development. It’s only in sports that we compete with other countries and regions of the globe,” he said.
“The AFCON is around the corner, later we will be competing with the rest of the world in the Olympics and Paralympics; we are committed to making a mark in sports development.”
