President Buhari is surprised and unhappy that the Super Eagles of Nigeria who are currently participating in the African Cup of Nations in Egypt are being owed their allowances.
Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong on Monday disclosed Buhari’s feelings to State House correspondents after he had a private meeting with the president at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
He said players motivation must be taken seriously because football is a unifying factor in Nigeria.
However, Lalong noted aside the plight of the Super Eagles, the main aim of his visit was on behalf of his state and it in his capacity to do so as the new Chairman of Northern Governors Forum.
“I came in to have a discussion with the President; of course many of you know I just came back from Egypt where we went to cheer the Super Eagles and I also brought him back the concerns of those players that are there.
“I think he promised to handle the matter immediately; football is a unifying factor in Nigeria; we shouldn’t joke with it; if we bring back the cup; it will cement our relationship and that is one of it.
“Some of the concerns they raised is that many of their allowances were not paid and the President expressed surprise that he signed these allowances and they are not paid to them.
“I was a footballer and it is not like before when you play football out of patriotism; now it is combined with the economic aspect; but you bring people, definitely you must ensure; especially from the ministry that they are paid their allowances.
“We went there for the joy of it and the day we went there, they won their match and we left yesterday. I understand they lost.
“Defeating Guinea and expecting Madagascar to defeat us is a surprise; but I think with good motivation, these boys will bring back the cup.’’
