Ahead Iceland Game: FG increases Eagles match bonus to $15,000

The Federal Government has increased the winning bonus of the Super Eagles to motivate the team ahead of their second group game against Iceland on Friday at the Volgograd Arena.

This is a 50% increase from the initial $10,000 the team was promised before the tournament commenced
last Thursday.

Sports Minister Solomon Dalung made the announcement after Saturday’s loss to Croatia.

“It is unfortunate that we did not win, which would have served as a morale booster at the group stage,
but we will not lose hope. The Federal Government is doing its best to ensure that the Super Eagles
excel in Russia. Even President Muhammadu Buhari took time out to motivate the players yesterday and to
assure them of his unflinching support for the team.

I personally added $5,000 to their winning bonus to motivate the team, but we must still keep our hopes
alive because this is just the beginning. I urge the players to remain focused while the technical
department will have to put heads together with the coach to salvage our next two matches against
Iceland and Argentina. If we win our next matches against Iceland and Argentina, then we can qualify
from the group.” he said.

Dalung however called on Nigerians to continue to support the team regardless of the disappointing
outing against Croatia.

”The Super Eagles are a work in progress. It’s a very young team and we are nurturing them for greater
exploits, not only for now but also for the future. We are not giving any excuses but we must continue
to rally round our team, irrespective of the result recorded on Saturday. I appeal to Nigerians to
rally behind the team and pray for them ahead of their next game against Iceland. I strongly believe
that despite the disappointing start, the Super Eagles will come out strong from the group.”

Nigeria currently sit at the bottom of Group D.