Bonus Row: Jonathan intervenes, Eagles agree to play France

It took the intervention and assurance from President Goodluck Jonathan that the players of the Super Eagles will be paid all their fees by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, before the players agreed to travel to Brasilia, Friday, for their World Cup second round game with France.

The team opted for a meeting with NFF officials over payment of their appearance fees instead of training on Thursday.

The President was brought into the impasse by sports minister Tamuno Danagogo after federation head Aminu Maigari reported the situation to him.

In a phone call to the players who shared their fears, President Jonathan assured them that they would be paid all that they are entitled to.

They then agreed to continue playing for their fatherland.

Team captain Joseph Yobo has told KickoffNigeria.com that they would take the flight on Friday.

“I can tell you as team captain that the team will travel to Brasilia today and we will train, and play against France,” he said.

Similar impasse over appearance fees hampered the Black Stars of Ghana who were knocked out of the tournament on Thursday. Nigeria and Algeria are the only teams from Africa left in the mundial.