Beat Eagles, get N47m, say Liberian President

When the Super Eagles take on the Lone Star of Liberia in the final round of 2013 AFCONqualifier on October 13 in Calabar, the Nigerians will be facing a highly motivated side.

The Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf who is the chief Patron of the Lone Star has approved a $150,000 US Dollars (N23.7m) bonus for the team if they are able to beat the Super Eagles or record an above 2-2 draw against the Eagles in Calabar, which will ensure their qualification for the continental football fiesta.

This was announced by the Director of Communications at the Liberia Football Association (LFA), Henry Flomo in Monrovia yesterday.

Aside what the President promised the team, the Lone Star Mobilisation Committee, a body set up to mobilise funds for the team ahead of the second leg tie against the Super Eagles has also promised the Lone Star $150,000 (N23.7m) should the team record a win or an above 2-2 draw.

Earlier, President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, out of ecstasy gave the Lone Star US$80,000 for convincingly winning two international friendlies on home soil against the Flames of Malawi the Black Stars of Ghana.

The President was extremely satisfied over the Lone Star thrilling performance in her presence, when the Flames and the Black Stars went down 1-0 and 2-0 respectively.

The Liberian President’s promise was an expression of her quest to see the Lone Star at the finals of the 2013 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) in South Africa, which will mark their 3rd appearance after 10 years. Liberia appeared twice at Afcon in 1996 and 2002.

Henry added, the Lone Star Mobilization Committee has also promised to give the Coach Kaetu Smith’s boys additional US$150,000 for either a win or an above 2-2 draw.

“This is an official statement. The Chief Patron of Sports President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and the Lone Star Mobilization Committee has each promised to give US$150,000 to the team, totaling US$300,000 for either a win or an above 2-2 draw to qualify Liberia to the 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa,” Henry Flomo averred.

This means, if the team win or draw above 2-2 with the Super Eagles on Saturday, October 13, 2012 in Calaber, each player will be about US$10,000 (or L$730,000) richer.