Japanese plastic surgeon Katsuya Takasu has rewarded the Nigerian Olympic football team in Brazil with $390,000 after hearing about their financial difficulties before and during the tournament.
Takasu fulfilled his promise by presenting cheques of $200,000 and $190,000 to coach Samson Siasia and captain Mikel Obi respectively on behalf of the team.
“The $200,000 covers the bonuses and allowances as promised and the $190,000 is for the bronze medal,” Takasu told BBC Sport.
Before arriving in Rio, Siasia’s boys were held up in Atlanta, USA, because of a problem with the payment for their flight, and they only landed in Brazil just hours before their opening 5-4 win over Japan.
“This team showed resilience and fought the hardest to achieve success, despite all their problems – some people would have given up but they didn’t,” Takasu added.
Coach Siasia said, “It’s not just about the money. You can’t equate his gesture in figures or words, to find a big supporter far away in Japan who travelled down here to cheer and back us is unbelievable.
“I can only say a big thank you on behalf of my team and country, we pray God continues to bless him abundantly.”
Some members of Nigeria’s Super Eagles-led by Stephen Keshi, who passed away in June, are still waiting for the houses they were promised by the government for winning the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia.
