As it stands, Nigeria’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign may be over before it even begins. This is because the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has said it is so broke that it cannot afford to fly the Super Eagles players to Zambia for next month’s third-round qualifier.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is right now shopping for N85 million to execute the 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on October 9 in Ndola.

The NFF had in recent weeks been lamenting what an official described as ‘no cash’ situation to
carry on their activities, particularly the fast approaching tie against Zambia.

A top official of the body told The Guardian yesterday that they require about N85 million for the match in Ndola.

We need about N85 million to take care of the match against Zambia on October 9, but as we speak, we don’t have any kobo in our purse. We have appealed to Globacom to come to our aid by footing the bills. We are still waiting for response from the Federal Government,” the official stated.

Breaking down the NFF budget for the World Cup qualifier against Zambia, the official, who pleaded anonymity, said:

“The charges for the Airline alone is $200,000 for a 140-seater plane, and it will be on ground with the team for two days. We need between $6,000 and $10,000 for flight ticket to bring in the players.

Their bonuses alone are within the range of N30 million. We don’t have any kobo in our purse right now, hence the need for us to approach Glo to come to our aid. But the Federal Government still has to play its part because this is the beginning of our campaign for the 2018 World Cup qualifying ticket. If we must get it right, every hand must be on deck,” the official stated.

The Super Eagles versus Chipolopolo’s 2018 World Cup qualifier was initially billed for Monday, October 3, but the hosts, Zambia moved the date to Sunday October 9 without giving any reason. The venue still remains Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.