The Ministry of Youth and Sports has refunded the $4,600 Nigeria’s Olympic Football Team Captain, John Mikel Obi paid to cover the team’s hotel bills in Sao Paulo.
Mikel paid some of the outstanding hotel bills for the team from his personal money before they departed to Salvador for the quarterfinal game against Denmark.
SEE: Mikel Pays For Nigeria’s Dream Team Hotel Bills As NFF Refuses To Pay Players
Meanwhile, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports has again assured players and officials of the team that they will be given all that is due to them.
Addressing the players and officials after their 2-0 win over Denmark in Saturday’s quarter-final match in Salvador, the Youth and Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Chinyeaka Ohaa, said:
“I am happy to be a Nigerian, because in spite of all the challenges, you have taken the world by storm; you have by your performance given happiness to more than 160 million Nigerians. Football is the biggest unifying factor in Nigeria today. From Mr. President to the average Nigerian you have made everyone proud today.
“I am humbled by your efforts, your commitment, your patriotism. I want to assure you that your sacrifices will not be in vain. Aside whatever the NFF have for you, we will as much as possible make you happy, if only you will be patient with us. Today, with your performance, I am convinced that you will get that gold.”
Mikel responded by saying: “We want to thank you for your fatherly support. In truth, there have been a lot of challenges, but every time we go onto the field, we forget about everything and make sure our fatherland comes first. We have done that so far and we will continue to do that, but we need more motivation.”
SEE ALSO: What Chelsea Coach told Mikel Obi Before Departing for Rio Olympics
