Exclusive: 8 years after, Rio Olympics U-23 Nigeria’s Dream Team still awaits camp, other allowances

In a shocking revelation, Persecondnews has uncovered that the Nigerian U-23 Dream Team that won bronze at the 2016 Rio Olympics has yet to receive their camp allowances and match bonuses, eight years after their historic achievement.

According to sources close to the team and the Ministry of Sports, the players and staff have not received a single payment, despite the government’s allocation for their expenses.

“It’s sad, Kobo, we haven’t received after the sacrifice to represent our beloved country,” an ex-international and reliable source disclosed to Persecondnews.

The source, who requested anonymity, added that the Minister of Sports was “shocked and in disbelief” when he received notification of the unpaid wages two weeks ago.

The source stated: “The team has not yet received their training allowance, camp allowance, or match bonuses; the Minister received notification of this latest development two weeks ago.”

“He was shocked and in disbelief; I am certain he will act on it.”

This development comes despite the team’s remarkable performance at the 2016 Olympics, where they won bronze under the leadership of Samson Siasia.

Mikel Obi, former Super Eagles captain and one of the three overage players, had previously shared his frustrating experience at the airport, where the team waited from morning until night for a flight that never arrived.

Mikel took the initiative and personally covered the flight expenses, ensuring the team’s participation in the tournament.

The non-payment of allowances and bonuses has left a sour taste in the mouths of the players, who had put their hearts and souls into representing Nigeria.

This is not an isolated incident, as Nigerian football players have consistently faced challenges in receiving payments owed to them.

It is worthy to note that since the 2016 Olympics, the men’s football team has failed to qualify for two consecutive Olympic games for the first time in the history of Nigeria.

In four appearances at the Olympic Games, the team has won gold in 1996, silver in 2008, and bronze in 2016, but failed to qualify in 1992, 2004, 2012, 2020, and 2024.