“We are ready to play for Nigeria even if we don’t get our appearance fees” – Yobo

Captain of the Super Eagles, Joseph Yobo, has denied stories that the players held the NFF to ransom over World Cup appearance fees.

Nigeria played a goalless draw in their first game of the tournament, but speculation about bonuses and allowances continue to rumble on.

The NFF is supposed to pay 30% of the money they received from FIFA to members of the squad.

“No one held Nigeria to ransom,” the 33-year-old told AfricanFootball.com. “We are ready to play for Nigeria even if we don’t get paid for that [appearance fees].

“Look at the players who are playing in Nigeria, this money is a life changer for them. This will change [things for] their families. They will be happy because they worked hard to get here.

“This [money] won’t change my life, but as the captain of the team I know what the players deserve.

“Most countries have appearance fees and this was what we spoke about.

“It [the meeting with the NFF about appearance fees] was peaceful and quiet, there was no problem, but at the end of the day it came out differently in the media.

“They should have addressed this much earlier than when it was almost game time. Why did they wait till the last minute?” he asked.

Nigeria face Bosnia-Herzegovina next on Saturday.