Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has publicly criticized the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the reported nonpayment of allowances owed to Nigeria’s national football team, the Super Eagles. Obi described the situation as “truly unfortunate” and emblematic of deeper governance failures.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed dismay that athletes who consistently represent Nigeria with pride and dedication are being neglected financially. “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles, who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances,” he wrote.
Obi further lamented that while the government appears to have funds for “needless lavish spending and political patronage,” it fails to meet its obligations to national heroes. He emphasized that such neglect sends a discouraging message to Nigerian youth and undermines the morale of those who serve the country on the global stage.
The controversy gained traction after Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi shared a video highlighting the poor state of the team’s accommodation in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon. The footage sparked widespread concern and reignited debates about the treatment of Nigerian athletes.
Obi called on the federal government and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to prioritize the welfare of national athletes and ensure timely payment of entitlements. “Those who bring pride to our nation deserve respect, dignity, and fair compensation,” he stated.