Ilorin – The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) officials and the technical crew of the Super Eagles have pleaded with the media and other enthusiasts to allow peace reign, so that the players can concentrate on the task at hand.

NFA Technical Committee Chairman, Mr Chris Green, who is in Curitiba with the team, alongside NFA President Aminu Maigari and other board members, said it was disheartening to learn that some people were still hammering on the long settled issue of bonuses and appearance fees for the players.

The Media Officer of the team, Ben Alaya, quoted Green in a statement on Sunday as: “When the Senate President, Dr David Mark, came here to meet with us and the players.

“He was totally convinced at our sincerity with the players and what we have on board as the team progresses but some people are just hell bent on ensuring that they raise issues that don’t even exist.”

Green explained that the NFF had agreed with the players to pay 10,000 dollars winning bonus for first round games; 12,500 dollars for second round game; 15,000 dollars for quarter final and 20,000 dollars for semi-final.

He said that would also increase marginally to 25,000 dollars if the team won the trophy.

The statement said that percentage earnings from monies that might accrue to the players from what FIFA gave to the NFA was also put at 30 per cent for the group stages; 40 for the second round; 50 for the quarter final; 60 for the semi-final and 70 per cent for the final.

“When we unveiled this before the President of the Senate, who represented President Goodluck Jonathan, he was full of praises for us and promised that he would add a special bonus from government to the players and promised further surprises if the team should go far in the tourney.”

The statement also said that Coach Stephen Keshi warned against distracting the team from its set goals, declaring that his players were focused on the game against Iran and would not tolerate any form of distraction.

“The players may have issues but I think they have been settled amicably, so let them allow us to play.

Assistant Skipper, Vincent Enyeama, said his teammates knew what was at stake in the World Cup and would not allow personal need or greed to override national interest.

“We are ready for Iran and that is what is on our minds at the moment; every other thing will be settled after this competition.”(NAN)