Mark shocked over Eagles’ $2m demand

There were indications that the Super Eagles players demanded to be paid 25 per cent of the $8m which FIFA would pay to clubs that participated in the first round of marches.

According to reports, they officially presented their demand to Senate President, David Mark, during his meeting with them in Campinas just before their opening match against Iran in Group F of the 2014 World Cup, penultimate Monday.

Mark, who is at the head of the federal government delegation to the World Cup in Brazil, was reportedly flabbergasted by the players’ demand.

The Super Eagles went ahead to display one of their worst games in the past two years in their against Iran, which eventually ended 0-0 in Curitiba.

They had insisted that the $2 million should be paid to them before they commenced the match, reports indicate.

The players only bulked when their coach, Stephen Keshi stepped in and apologized on their behalf to Mark, and other members of the federal government delegation, who were obviously angry with the development.

It was learnt further that they were equally not pleased with Keshi whom they had expected to prevail upon the players against their unpleasant display.

When it became obvious that the players were not moved by his presence, the Senate President allegedly became angry. It was learnt that after the players had spoken, their coach, Stephen Keshi, who apologised to the FG delegation and the NFF members at the meeting.

Fight over money is not new to this set of Eagles. Last year they arrived in Brazil late for the FIFA Confederations Cup after embarking on a strike in Namibia over match bonus.

The poor performance during the FIFA Confederations Cup was attributed to this development.

Captain of the team, Joseph Yobo, had subsequently dispelled the ‘rumour’ that they were trying to hold the country to ransom over money, saying that they were ready to play for Nigeria, money or no money.