A princely sum of N85 million was realized to support the Super Eagles’ campaign at the forthcoming Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup.
The fund raising ceremony, held at the Banquet Hall, State House at the weekend, was organized by the Federal Government.
Among the donors at the event were AITEO, which gave N50 million; businessman and Chairman of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, Chief Arthur Eze, donated N25 million; while Abia and Kano States announced N5 million each.
Lagos and Kebbi States and Total Nigeria did not publicly disclose their donations.
Three former members of the Super Eagles team – Samson Siasia, Waidi Akanni and Augustine Eguavoen – in conjunction with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Nigeria Football Federation are spearheading the fundraise.
A budget for the Super Eagles preparations and participation at the Russia FIFA World Cup Final is estimated at N3 billion, out of which N1.5 billion is expected from the Government.
The balance of N1.5 billion is proposed to be generated through fund-raising efforts.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, noted that preparation and participation of national teams in regional and international sports competitions had sometimes been marred by funds constraints.
The Minister said that challenges of funding had limited the preparation, welfare and motivation of sports men and women, resulting in poor performance and under-achievement, hence the need to seek alternative funding sources for the teams.
Dalung said: “We are prepared to change this unsatisfactory outcome with presidential support and guidance, as well as stakeholders’ engagement and buy-in.
“Knowing very well that government alone cannot shoulder all sports expenses, we have decided to strengthen our collaborations with the private sector to mobilize non-state resources.
“We are equally focused on ensuring that funds mobilized are judiciously used to facilitate and boost the participation of the Super Eagles in the tournament. We are determined to operate in line with our Change Agenda and Mr. President’s anti-corruption posture.”