Supporters Club’s Expenses Hit N87m

The Nigeria Football and other Sports Supporters Club has disclosed that it spent over N87 million to attend the 2013 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament held in South Africa.

President-General of the club, Dr Rafiu Oladipo, told Tidesports in Abuja that the money was expended on over 237 members of the club.

According to Oladipo, the club’s finance committee has been saddled with the responsibility of tabulating every expense made towards the South African trip and presenting it to the full house.

“We went with about 237 supporters from Lagos: There were members from Ghana, Cote d’ Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso and in South Africa.

“The club in South Africa was put together in 2009 and they were all there with us, travelling from Johannesburg to Nelspruit; Nelspruit to Rustenburg, then to Durban and so on.

“These journeys cost us money: We will soon come out with the exact amount that was spent on the trip,’’ Ladipo said.

He said the club spent more money attending AFCON and the World Cup tournaments than any other event.

The President-General pointed out that the club was fortunate to have gotten some financial reward from the Federal and Lagos State governments for the support given to the Super Eagles’ during the AFCON championship.

“We came back and the Federal Government gave us N5 million; Lagos State gave us N4.5 million and these amounted to N9 million.

“We are grateful to them but was that what we spent?

“The air fare alone for 237 people cost over N40 million; what about transportation to all our match venues and other logistics?

“However, we are happy that at least for once, the President, at the Federal Executive Council meeting, made a pronouncement appreciating the efforts of the supporters club.

“It goes a long way and means a lot to us,’’ he added.

The club is planning to acquire a private jet to help reduce its expenses while on national assignments.