Match Bonus standoff isn't a new phenomenon as far as African teams are concerned. The row over match bonuses has gone on for years.

It is usually, as a result, of mistrust between the players and the mostly corrupt football administrators. Typically before any tournament an agreement is reached on what
is to be received by the players in the event of win, draw or loss but in most cases the officials renege on promises made in order to enrich themselves with funds meant for players.

When this ugly incident happens, the symptoms include: boycotting training, throwing punches, standoffs, disputes, disgraceful performances and early exits. Some of the prescriptions have varied from payments to airlifting of appearance fees.

Bonuses are and will be the main downfall of most African stars or teams when it comes to their careers and competitions.

This was played out in the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The protagonists executed their roles in a performance that could win an Oscar if the category was ever in existence.
The disease that has plagued the continent for decades recurred on the most prestigious stage.

What was supposed to be a moment to savour turned out to be a scene of distaste.

The Indomitable Lions were involved in a shameful act that saw the side refuse to travel to Brazil unless their bonuses were increased by $12 000. They even forced their coach Volker Finke, a foreigner, to go receive the presidential flag on their behalf.

The trend spilled over to the Black Stars, who made us witness the greatest money movement ever. An amount of $3M was airlifted on a chartered plane and provided with an armed escort to pay each player their $100 000 share. Some even kissed it, like John Boye, who became the first Africa player to find his own net since 1998.

African champions, the Super Eagles, are also drafted into this infamous hall of fame. Following their qualification for the round of 16, they absconded from training after a lengthy debate on bonuses.

It is sad that we end up with a story about a strike, where the players won't play unless they receive their money” said, Jerome Valcke Fifa secretary general
The issue is not a new one. Togo went on strike over bonus money at the 2006 tournament in Germany and Fifa was forced to intervene.

I know patriotism doesn’t pay bills but, once you don the colours, it is never about the money but about the one nation that you are set to represent.

Money is a complement and that is the notion that has been tarnished recently.

In all this I choose to blame our federations that have given the players a reason to doubt their own.

It is an avoidable circumstance that has turned out to be a trend as everyone fights for his share. This has turned the nations in question into a laughing stock.

Africa can do better. I advise everyone concerned to have some pride when representing countries and, like the good old book says, “Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar”. Then maybe, when everyone does their part, we will all go home as winners instead of jokers.

And also, Future World Cups should ask the national associations to provide their agreements with their players to make sure that this kind of episode does not happen again.