Japanese Surgeon Takasu, Rewards Dream Team VI With N78.8M

Takasu has also promised to reward each member of the squad with N11.8m if they win gold, N7.8m for silver and N3.9m for bronze.

A Japanese surgeon Katsuya Takasu is on his way to Sao Paulo where he will be meeting with the Dream Team VI to reward them with a cash price of N78.8m ($200,000).

Reports of financial difficulties in the Dream Team VI camp have been consistent all through the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and Kakasu has stepped in to aid the players.

Last week he promised to reward each member of the squad with N11.8m ($30,000) if they win gold, N7.8m ($20,000) for silver and N3.9m ($10,000) for bronze.

playKatsuya Takasu is ready to gift the team more cash if they win a medal

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Before the individual rewards, the Japanese says he will be giving the team a N78.8m ‘special donation’ which he is delivering himself.

“I've made previous donations to a Japanese hockey team and other notable causes in the past but this right now with Nigeria is incredibly passionate for me,” he told BBC Sport.

"I am deeply determined to motivate this indomitable and strong Nigerian team. I don't want to distract them but to push them further to their target - the gold in Brazil.

playKatsuya Takasu at the Nigerian embassy in Japan

"I hope to see them win gold. They've sacrificed a lot to get to Brazil and reach the semi-finals. Humans with such a strong spirit should be encouraged to perform beyond their own imagination."

The Dream Team VI suffered several flight delays before they made their way to Rio from Atlanta where they camp before the Games.

The flight delays were due to problems with the payment for the flights.

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Before their 2-0 win over Demmark in the quart-finals, the players threatened to stay away from training before the Sports Ministry and Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) intervened.

playThe Dream Team VI players threatened to strike due to non payment of allowances

"I read about the financial problems affecting the team and I felt the need to make a big contribution," Takasu added.

The NFF have also confirmed that they are in contact with the Japanese.

"I have been in direct contact with Mr Takasu and impressed by his gesture," NFF vice-president Seyi Akinwunmi told BBC Sport.

playThe Dream Team VI face Germany in the semi-finals

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"But we need not get carried away because the integrity of the country is at stake.

"First we must check about this. Significantly, the team has an important game and we need to focus on that."

The Dream Team VI will on Wednesday, August 17 face Germany in the semi-finals of the football event of Rio 2016.

The match kicks off at 8pm, Nigerian time.

NB: $1=N394

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