Mikel Obi: captains Team Nigeria to Rio Olympics

Twenty-nine members of Nigeria’s U-23 national team, Dream Team VI have been paid their camp allowance for the first 11 days.

The minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung disclosed this after his parley with the team following their 1-0 victory over Sweden on Monday.

The players are entitled to $150 daily camp allowance. Each player received $1, 650 being allowances for 11 days.

The minister said the upfront payment was to ensure that the players are focused and well motivated. He promised that all entitlements will be be given to all athletes even before the games end.

“All your camp allowances have been budgeted for. There will be no story- telling during this games. You will get all your allowances and entitlements as we don’t want any distractions. We want you to remain focused . You have established that you’re great men and determined to conquer, despite all odds. There can’t be any other sacrifice more than this, ” Dalung said through a statement from his Special Adviser (Media), Mrs Nneka Nkem Anibeze.

The Minister will be in Sao Paolo to cheer the Dream Team on Wednesday when they play against Columbia at the Arena Corinthians for their last Group B match.

The game comes up at 11pm Nigerian time.