A Japanese surgeon, billionaire Katsuya Takasu gave the Nigeria Olympic football team, Dream Team VI, cash rewards for winning a #bronze medal for Nigeria having defeated Honduras 3-2.
The plastic surgeon made a pledge, totaling $390,000.
Earlier on Saturday, a former Super Eagles goalkeeper and football analyst, Peterside Idah, had raised the alarm that Nigeria Football Federation officials had hijacked the donation made by the Japanese doctor.
The NFF denied the allegation.
Mr.Idah later confirmed that Mr. Takasu had made the donation directly to the beneficiaries at their hotel.
“All is well,” Mr Idah tweeted. “Two cheques have just been handed over to the team. One in Samson Siasia’s name, and the other made out to the name of Mikel.”
In an earlier interview, Mr. Takasu said he made the donation to the players after hearing about their financial crisis.
“I read about the financial problems affecting the team and I felt the need to make a big contribution,” Mr. Takasu told the BBC earlier this week.
The Nigeria U-23 have hugged the headlines on and off the pitch as they braved all odds to make a podium finish at the Olympics.
Continually referred to as ‘miracle workers’ by their coach, the Dream Team VI surprised many with their performance in the face of daunting challenges which included arriving barely hours to their first match in Rio.
The 3-2 win over Honduras on Saturday ensured that Nigeria won its first medal since after the Beijing 2008 Olympics.
Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
Advertise on NigerianEye.com to reach thousands of our daily users
Good thing the alarm was raised. Knowing our officials, that money would have gone into voicemail. Sometimes I wonder if there is any redemption for the corruption plaguing our sports ministry and associated federations.
ReplyDeleteThank U, billionaire Katsuya Takasu! I wish the boys will not give a DIME to our crooked officials.
ReplyDeleteI hope our own money bags will also do something to honour dis boys who against all odds still got us our only medal in d entire Olympics games. Since our government and indeed d NFF did little or not to merit d credit. Let's show them some love and support so that they know that honouring ones country is still very much worth it.
ReplyDeleteThe team try. It is not easy to reach their
ReplyDeleteGod will bless this man for his kindness. Pls dream team be wary of NFF and APC Government, thank God the cheques were issued specifically but the have a way of manoeuvring they can even probe you. I suggest you share it among you there and return to your bases because they won't welcome you
ReplyDeleteGood man. God bless you. As for you Mr Idah spreading fake news hmmm thunder still de strike pple oh
ReplyDeleteMay God bless the Japanese man... please share the money before coming back
ReplyDeleteGod bless you sir Katsuya Takasu
ReplyDeleteThe billionaire is indeed a philantropist.God bless you. Enter your comment...
ReplyDeleteGOOD ONE
ReplyDelete