Vincent Enyeama: We are ready for Iran and that is what is on our minds at the moment; bonus issue is sorted out, Brazilians mob Mikel, Osaze, Moses

Riod de Janeiro — Nigeria's World Cup players, the Super Eagles were each offered a $102,500 incentive to win the World Cup, with the NFF saying it had reached an agreement with the squad over their traditionally troublesome bonus payments.

The Nigeria Football Federation claimed that the latest World Cup bonuses had been sorted out, but only announced it on the eve of Monday's opening game against Iran. Adding that each player will get $10,000 each for every group stage win at the World Cup, $12,500 for winning in the round of 16, another $15,000 for winning a quarterfinal, $20,000 for the semifinals and $25,000 for lifting the trophy.

There had been signs of discontent among the squad this week and David Mark, senate president, visited the squad at its base in the city of Campinas, north of Sao Paulo to mediate.
"The players may have issues but I think they have been settled amicably so let them allow us to play," coach Stephen Keshi said.

Nigeria opens against Iran in Curitiba and also faces Bosnia and Argentina in Group F.

Last weekend, Cameroon's squad refused to board a plane for the World Cup over a bonus dispute, forcing their federation to take out a loan to ensure players got more money. FIFA gave each country that qualified for the World Cup $1.5 million to help with preparations. Each team is guaranteed at least $8 million in prize money.

"We are ready for Iran and that is what is on our minds at the moment," goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama said in a statement through the NFF. "Every other thing will be settled after this competition."

John Mikel Obi, Osaze Odemwingie and Victor Moses are the three Super Eagles players that Brazilians have shown more love and demand autographs from.

The three, incidentally, play their club football in England’s Premier League – Chelsea, Stoke and Liverpool respectively.

But baby-faced Mikel stands out as the crowd roars into Mikel, Mikel, Mikel from the moment he steps out of the hotel to the team’s bus and onto the pitch where kids dare security personnel in a marathon race to either embrace him, clean his boot or kiss him.

He reciprocates their love by clapping. Mikel who is playing in his first World Cup spoke to Sports Editor, Tony Ubani on expectations

‘’It is my first World Cup and I am ready just like other players are ready, too. The World Cup remains the highest height of every footballer’s ambition.

I am happy to be playing here but more importantly is that we have a dream of playing for each other. We want to make something out of the World Cup. It is not about individuals. It is about a team. And I am a member of the team

Mikel: It is good to know that many expect me to lead. In this team, the coach determines what we do and we do it according to his instructions. People might not notice the roles of players but the coach knows and we do things collectively to ensure that we come out victorious.

Mikel: There is love and unity in the team. We are like a family. All the players are ready to give their best. And with these will-power, I think that we will do well because of this determination.

Mikel: Promises? I promise good outing by the team. You are aware that all teams are well prepared for the World Cup. So, no one underestimates any team. You need to work hard first and also rely on goodluck. We’ve been working hard and deserve to do well.

Meanwhile, Nigeria National Team hasn't reached the second round of a World Cup since 1998 and hasn't won a game in its last two tournaments.

- AP