MIKEL REIMBURSED BY SPORTS MINISTRY

Having saved the country from embarrassment in
Sao Paulo financially, the midfielder has been
refunded by the ministry
John Obi Mikel has been reimbursed with the sum of $4,600
by the federal ministry of youth and sports, the Nigeria
Football Federation has confirmed.
The Dream Team VI were held to ransom by management of
a hotel in Sao Paulo over unpaid bills, but the Chelsea star
bailed the team out before the left for Salvador where they
defeated Denmark 2-0 in the quarter final.
“I am happy to be a Nigerian, because in spite of all the
challenges, you have taken the world by storm; you have by
your performance given happiness to more than 160 million
Nigerians,” said Chinyeaka Ohaa who addressed the team
on behalf of sports minister, Solomon Dalung.
“Football is the biggest unifying factor in Nigeria today.
From Mr. President to the average Nigerian you have made
everyone proud [against Denmark].
“I am humbled by your efforts, your commitment, your
patriotism. I want to assure you that your sacrifices will not
be in vain. Aside whatever the NFF have for you, we will as
much as possible make you happy, if only you will be patient
with us. With your performance [against Denmark], I am
convinced that you will get that gold.”
In his response, Mikel thanked the ministry while urging
them to do more in terms of motivation.
“We want to thank you for your fatherly support. In truth,
there have been a lot of challenges, but every time we go
onto the field, we forget about everything and make sure our
fatherland comes first. We have done that so far and we will
continue to do that, but we need more motivation,” he said.
Nigeria face Germany in the semifinal of the Olympic Games
on Wednesday at the Corinthians Arena.