Senator John Owan Enoh, the Minister of Sports Development, has expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the recent approval of a substantial N12 billion disbursement aimed at addressing long-standing outstanding payments to national teams. This financial support, covering coaches’ salaries and bonuses for both senior and junior national teams, is expected to uplift the spirits of the Super Eagles as they gear up for the African Cup of Nations starting this weekend.

The disbursement, which spans 15 months of overdue payments, has been hailed by Nigerians as a significant and well-timed gesture, coinciding with the final stages of preparations for the senior national football team. Minister Enoh conveyed his appreciation, emphasizing that President Tinubu’s approval not only serves as a morale booster for the teams but also underscores the government’s dedication to fostering excellence in Nigerian sports on the continental stage.

The Minister highlighted the President’s commitment to sports development, citing the establishment of a standalone Ministry for Sports Development as evidence of the administration’s focus on crucial sports-related matters. On behalf of the Ministry and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Minister Enoh extended his thanks to President Tinubu.

Assuring the President of the team’s dedication, Enoh stated that they would spare no effort in making the nation proud at the continental showpiece. Nigeria is set to face Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14, 2023, in its first game at the AFCON, followed by matches against Ivory Coast and Guinea Bissau on January 18 and 22, respectively.