Nigeria can score on the pitch and in pocket

Nigeria have been given a cash incentive to score goals in their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifier against SA after the governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, pledged R360‚000 for every time they find the back of the net at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday.

Okowa made the announcement when he visited team training on Tuesday‚ offering no explanation as to whether the offer was made in his private capacity or using public funds.

“I am pleased to have the Super Eagles here in Asaba‚” Okowa told the team in front of a host of reporters.

“We hope you make Asaba your home‚ and as a people we will begin to follow your progress even more closely.

“We appreciate the giant strides Nigerian football is making and commend the leadership of the NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) for making Delta State part of its success story.

“For every goal scored by the Super Eagles in Johannesburg on Saturday‚ we pledge a reward of $25‚000. Please don’t put a limit to the number of goals you score on Saturday; try and score as many as possible.”

Nigeria will return to Delta State after the Bafana clash for a home friendly with Uganda on Tuesday and coach Gernot Rohr said he was pleased with the improvements made at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.

“I thank the Delta State government for their hospitality and for making us feel so comfortable. I am so happy because the pitch is in a much better state than the last time I was here‚” Rohr said.

“The Super Eagles will continue to work hard to make all those who have played one role or the other in its progress happy that their investment in the team is not a waste.”

It means that if the side manages three goals against Bafana the players will split more than R1m‚ though it is small change for most of the squad who are on big contracts in Europe.

The move is likely a publicity stunt by Okowa to show his support for the team and garner favour among his constituents in Delta State.