Bronze winning Eagles bag $390,000

When the Eagles of Nigeria first had a flight problem to Rio de Janeiro at the beginning of the Olympic games, it did appear that it was ominous of the poor state of expectations. But they quickly showed their determination and put the set back aside as they went on to win their match within hours of touch down. 

Part of the omen turned blessing was the intervention of the Japanese surgeon and businessman, Katsuya Takasu, who became a friend of 'Nigeria'  in no time to motivate the team to success. Yes, success. They didn't win the gold but got bronze with the promise of instant reward in proportionate ratio of achievement.

In the end, the Eagles did themselves proud to the glory of the nation winning bronze and pursing the largess from Katsuya Takasu.

Mikel Obi, Katsuya Takasu, & Coach Siasia

However, Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel will, according to team’s sources, donate part of his share of the $390,000 awarded to the bronze winning Nigeria U-23 team at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The Japanese billionaire redeemed his pledge to Dream Team VI making good his promise to reward the team for their bravery in Rio after they beat Honduras 3-2 for the bronze medal. 

The Nigeria Football Federation and the Sports Ministry made their observations known by insisting that the money must be from a credible source but according to feelers from the camp of the Olympics Eagles, the NFF were only seeking for means of getting their hands on the money. However, Takasu issued two Citibank cheques $200,000 in the name of coach Samson Siasia and $190,000 in the name of Mikel. 

One of the team’s officials disclosed to Africafootball.com that the team vowed not to hand over the money to the NFF. “Mikel has insisted all of us will get our share of the money. That we should not mind what the people in the NFF are saying. “He will make available this cash when he comes for next month’s AFCON qualifier against Tanzania in Uyo.” 

A team meeting has already resolved that both players and officials will receive equal amount of the cash with Mikel himself agreeing to give part of his own share for the chief coach (Siasia) to get more than the rest of the squad. It was further gathered that the sharing formula agreed was a flat rate for the 22 players (18 accredited players and four alternate players) and 10 officials.