Ex-Nigeria midfielder Sunday Oliseh has defended the conduct of several players from African nations over bonuses at the World Cup.
The Football Associations of Ghana, Cameroon and Nigeria clashed with some of their players over appearance fees and bonuses during the tournament, with Ghana's government flying a plane full of cash to Brazil in a bid to resolve the problem with their squad.
However, the 63-cap Super Eagles legend claimed that the players' financial responsibilities stretched far beyond their own ends.
Oliseh told reporters: "I would refute the suggestion that African players are not as committed, in fact I'd say they are more committed. When you look at the responsibilities African players have to carry, the culture is a familiar one. It's built around families.
"If you are earning €100, it's not just for your wife and kids, it's for your wife, kids, brother, cousin, aunt, sister and sister's brother. School fees for this and that. In one kind of way, we are drained.
"So when African players come to the World Cup, it's not all about money, it's because of the fact that most of them have [been made] certain promises and these promises have not been fulfilled."
Ghana and Cameroon were knocked out of the World Cup at the first hurdle, while Nigeria made it through to the second round, ultimately losing 2-0 to France.
Giuseppe Labellarte
