Ireland’s Vera Pauw dismisses bonus row’s negative influence on Nigeria

By Saheed Afolabi

Republic of Ireland coach, Vera Pauw has dismissed the notion that Nigeria players bonus row might influence their performance on the pitch.

The relationship between the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Super Falcons got estranged as they clash over bonuses to be received at the World Cup.

The former South Africa coach expects the Falcons to be at their full swing against them and feels the bonus row won’t affect them, stressing that the players are used to it and urge them to fight strongly for their right.

“They are our third game so they’ll be in full swing and I don’t think it affects them. I’ve coached in South Africa and, these issues are quite common,” quoted by BSN Sports.

“It doesn’t influence the players on the pitch at all. They are so used to these issues that they have to fight for themselves. So well done to them I will say.

“I don’t think when they go on the pitch, they will be influenced by that. Especially not the professionals from England, this is part of their daily life.

“They don’t want it but I don’t think it will influence them.”

The Ireland team had already sorted their bonus right with the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) apart from the $30,000 to be received by the players from FIFA.