Nigeria’s John Obi Mikel laughs during a training session in Brasilia. (EPA)
Brasilia: The Nigerian World Cup team trained normally Saturday after a strike in a dispute about promised bonuses owed to them by their football federation.
Two days before the round of 16 clash against France, normality seemed to have returned to the Nigerian camp. 22 of the squad’s 23 players trained on the day, including fit again Victor Moses, with the only absentee being injured Michael Babatunde.
The team refused to train Thursday but then - according to africanfootball.com - state president Goodluck Jonathan authorized the payment of 2.8 million euros (3.8 million dollars).
Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo told the website KickOffNigeria.com that he had talked to Jonathan. “We are not fighting against anyone in particular. We just wanted to remind him that we are still waiting for what was agreed,” said Yobo.
It is expected that the money owed will be paid to the players before today’s clash with France. Meanwhile, Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi said: “This is not really a problem of money.”
Meanwhile, the team is shocked by a suicide bombing attack against a World Cup viewing site in northeast Nigeria and is more determined than ever to succeed in Brazil and provide some comfort to those at home, a team official said.
Emmanuel Attah, the team’s coordinator, appealed for calm in Nigeria and said the team remained united and focused on its task.