Japanese promises 'cash for gold' to Nigerian football team in Rio

The Nigerian Olympic football team has won the heart of a Japanese plastic surgeon who carried $200,000 dollars to the Nigerian embassy in Tokyo planning on handing it over as bonuses.

His reason?

Katsuya Takasu wants to reward the team after hearing about their financial difficulties.

“I read about the financial problems affecting the team and I felt the need to make a big contribution,” he told the BBC.

“I hope to see them win gold. They’ve sacrificed a lot to get to Brazil and reach the semi-finals. Humans with such a strong spirit should be encouraged to perform beyond their own imagination,” he added.

The Nigerian Under-23 team might meet Katsuya Takasu in Rio with the cash and an extra $30,000 for each player if they win gold, $20,000 for silver and $10,000 for bronze.

Takasu explained at the Nigerian embassy that he had difficulties reaching the team but he is passionate to make his donation.

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The team faces Germany on Wednesday night for their semifinals encounter.

Despite their difficulty in reaching Brazil in time for their opening match, they beat Japan by 5 goals to 4.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed to the BBC that the team’s allowances have been paid after the players boycotted a training session over delay in payment.