Almakura approves 50% sign on fees for Nasarawa Utd

Following agitation by players of Nasarawa United for club owners to clear their sign-on fees, Nasarawa State Governor, Alhaji Tanko Almakura on Friday approved the payment of 50% sign on fees for the players of the state’s darling team.

This is part of a renewed effort by the state government to boost the morale of the players in the ongoing Glo Premier League, which has been at its lowest ebb following non release of funds to offset their sign on fees.

None release of the sign-on fees has negatively affected the standing of the club in the ongoing league season, with an embarrassing 3-0 loss to Heartland of Owerri last week.

The players have been agitating for their sign on fees before the Friday approval even though the state government has been paying all their monthly salaries and match bonuses without default.

Top management member of the club and Special Assistant to Governor Almakura, Mr. Silas Agara disclosed that the governor has released funds to pay the players 50% of their sign-on fees in order to make them concentrate on doing well in the league.

“The State Governor, Alh. Tanko Almakura on Friday gave approval for the release of funds to pay the players 50% of their sign on fees. Besides that, we have not owed the players a dime in terms of salaries, allowances and match bonuses. After every game, the governor ensures that without delay their allowances are settled. Only their sign-on fees have been pending.”

Agara blamed the 3-0 loss to Heartland in Owerri on low morale.

“The boys have been agitating for their sign-on fees and I believe they lost with such margin to Heartland due to low morale,” he said.

[Daily Trust]