Rio 2016: Nigerian ministry of youth and Sports refunds Mikel's $4,600

The Youth and Sports Development ministry
after denying that U-23 captain, John Mikel
Obi bailed out the team by paying $4,600 to
settle some outstanding hotel bill before
they departed to Salvador for their quarter-
finals game against Denmark, has refunded
him the money.

It was reported that some officials who
were not captured in the 25-man football
Olympic list incured some debt which the
hotel demanded before they could let them
go and Mikel had to pay the bill to avoid
them being embarrassed.



The sports minister, Solomon Dalung
however denied it, saying that "Siasia was in
my room early this morning (last week) and
said the hotel security had refused to allow
the team leave the hotel due to unpaid hotel
bills. I also lodged in the same hotel with
the Permanent Secretary and other
members of the National Assembly who
came to watch the match against Columbia.
I told him to add the bill to the permanent
Secretary's bill so that he can clear it
alongside other bills. The amount incurred
by the excess officials and players is
$4,600.

When we checked out of the hotel, the
money was added and the Permanent
Secretary paid all outstanding bills. I am
surprised to hear and read that Mikel Obi
saved an embarrassing situation by paying
the bills"

However, the NFF yesterday wrote ot is
website that “the Ministry of Youth and
Sports has refunded to Captain
Mikel Obi the $4,600 he paid for the team in
São Paulo on their way to Salvador.”
Meanwhile, the permanent secretary Mr
Chinyeaka Ohaa who addressed the U-23
team on behalf of the minister after they
beat Denmark, said, "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. Football is the biggest unifying
factor in Nigeria today. From Mr. President
to the average Nigerian you have made
everyone proud today.

"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.
Today, with your performance, I am
convinced that you will get that gold.”