Labour Party presidential candidate Mr Peter Obi has criticised the Federal Government over reports that the Super Eagles are being owed allowances, describing the situation as evidence of a “now disgraced country”.
Obi’s reaction follows concerns raised by Super Eagles midfielder Alex Iwobi, who shared a video showing the reportedly poor state of the team’s accommodation in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon.
In a statement on Tuesday via X, Obi said it was “truly unfortunate” that players who “consistently give their best in representing our dear nation” are being owed their entitlements, even as the government continues to spend lavishly on “needless political patronage.”
He lamented that the neglect of national athletes sends the wrong message to Nigerian youth, adding that those who serve the country “deserve to be paid promptly and treated with respect.”
Obi urged authorities to “do better” and prioritise the welfare of the nation’s representatives.
He said: “It is truly unfortunate that our Super Eagles who consistently give their best in representing our dear nation, are being owed their allowances.
“We always seem to find money to waste on needless lavish spending and political patronage, yet we cannot pay those who patriotically raise our flag, bring us pride, and serve with dedication. That is what is found in a “now disgraced country”.
“When those who serve their country are not treated with dignity, it sends the wrong message to our youth, that hard work and service are not rewarded. Those who represent Nigeria deserves to be paid promptly and treated with respect.
We must do better”.
