Air Peace boss Allen Onyema gives Eagles N10m each for beating Egypt promising more if they lift trophy

AIR Peace's millionaire chairman Allen Onyema has made a cash donation of N10m ($24,165) to the members of the Super Eagles to reward them for their 1-0 victory of the Pharaohs of Egypt yesterday.

In their opening game of the 33rd African Cup of Nations yesterday, the Eagles beat the Pharaoh's in the northern Cameroonian city of Garoua, thanks to a 30 minute goal from Leicester City striker Kelechi Iheanacho. At the tournament to watch the game, Mr Onyema addressed the players at half time where he promised them the cash of they won.

Following their victory, he honoured his pledge and went on further to promise the players N50m each of they won the trophy.  According to Mr Onyema, over 200m Nigerians are looking up to the players for victory, so he called on them to use the opportunity to play their parts in uniting the nation by winning the trophy.

Mr Onyema said: “Nigerians believe in what you can do and you have the strength and all it takes to win the trophy. Remember what I told you during the qualifying series.

“That it is not just an ordinary football match, you are carrying the hopes and aspirations of over 350 ethnic nationalities of our beautiful country. You’re playing for the unity of Nigeria.

“This is your time to play your part in cementing the unity of this nation, as Nigerians from north, south, east and west will celebrate in unison. Do us proud and when you come back with the cup, I’m going to give you N50m."

Air Peace is Nigeria's leading domestic airline and of late has established itself as the de facto national carrier. During the Covid-19 crisis, it was Air Peace that travelled to numerous countries worldwide to evacuate Nigerians.

Valued at between $300m and $500m, Mr Onyema founded Air Peace in 2013 after resigning from a law firm and establishing his own import trade company known as Continental Business Links. Over recent years he has received national acclaim after his airline took it upon itself to fly Nigerians suffering from xenophobia in South Africa back home.