The Youth and Sports Development ministry after denying that U-23 captain, John Mikel Obi bailed out the team by paying $4,600 to settle some outstanding hotel bill before they departed to Salvador for their quarter-finals game against Denmark, has refunded him the money.
It was reported that some officials who were not captured in the 25-man football Olympic list incured some debt which the hotel demanded before they could let them go and Mikel had to pay the bill to avoid them being embarrassed.
The sports minister, Solomon Dalung however denied it, saying that “Siasia was in my room early this morning (last week) and said the hotel security had refused to allow the team leave the hotel due to unpaid hotel bills. I also lodged in the same hotel with the Permanent Secretary and other members of the National Assembly who came to watch the match against Columbia. I told him to add the bill to the permanent Secretary’s bill so that he can clear it alongside other bills. The amount incurred by the excess officials and players is $4,600.
When we checked out of the hotel, the money was added and the Permanent Secretary paid all outstanding bills. I am surprised to hear and read that Mikel Obi saved an embarrassing situation by paying the bills”
However, the NFF yesterday wrote ot is website that “the Ministry of Youth and Sports has refunded to Captain
Mikel Obi the $4,600 he paid for the team in São Paulo on their way to Salvador.”
Meanwhile, the permanent secretary Mr Chinyeaka Ohaa who addressed the U-23 team on behalf of the minister after they beat Denmark, 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.”
In his response, Mikel said, “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.”
