In fulfillment of his earlier promise to give financial rewards to the Nigeria’s football team to the ongoing Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil, Japanese plastic surgeon Katsuya Takasu on Saturday reportedly gave the Dream Team IV, as the team is fondly called, a sum of $390,000.
According to reports by sports journalist in Rio, Mr Takasu made the donation after Nigeria beat Honduras 3-2 in the bronze medal match at Bela Horizonte in Brazil.
“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,” the Japanese surgeon had said on BBC sports.
He added, “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.”
It was gathered that after the coach Samson Siasia side beat Honduras on Saturday evening, Takasu arrived at the team’s camp and presented a check of $200,000 to coach Siasia and $190,ooo to captain John Obi Mikel.
Below are photos of the scene as being circulated on social media:
See more photos of the Japanses surgeon at the stadium supporting the Dream Team VI:
Since the cosmetics surgeon redeemed his promise, there have been mixed reactions from Nigerians on social media about the gestures. Some believe it was a shame on Nigerian football authorities while others see nothing wrong in foreigner rewarding the Nigerian Olympic football team for a job well done.
Below are some of the reactions taken on Twitter:
The Nigerian FA dont care for their players init. Its taken a random Japanese surgeon to show that ppl care for them lol
— Diego Dan$o™ (@OhYeahGuy) August 21, 2016
“Hijacking” the donation by Japanese plastic surgeon, Dr Katsuya Takasu to Dreams team vi is very possible. Thank God it didn’t go to NFF.
— Nnabuike Agu (@nnabuikeagu) August 21, 2016
Dr. Katsuya Takasu, a clebrated Japanese Plastic surgeon ,has written his name in gold in d heart of football lovers in Nigeria & diaspora
— ABAMETA (@olufasanu) August 21, 2016
I believe the fact of the Japanese surgeon giving cash to the players is a miraculous incident
— kush (@lexyik) August 21, 2016
A Japanese surgeon dashed the dream team $390k…yet some fools are saying emperor Buhari must approve. ??????? pic.twitter.com/mS6xmdvrpe
— SK – Sola Kuti (@SKSolaKuti) August 21, 2016
The Japanese Surgeon promised and delivered. 2 Nigerian billionaires promised cash after AFCON and never delivered. pic.twitter.com/JsBjKw0UU7
— OMA AKATUGBA (@Omaakatugba) August 21, 2016
APC Made Promise to Pay Common 5K , 2 years Nothing. A japanese Surgeon Promised in 1 month and Delivered.
Yet mumus still dey Sai Buhari— OchinanWata 1 (@mr_ochonogor) August 20, 2016
Minister Dalung and the Japanese surgeon who bailed out the Dream Team. Can he also bail out out sport? https://t.co/Rd2QT1Anpp
— Godwin Enakhena (@genakhena) August 20, 2016
The Japanese surgeon is giving the money to the team directly at their hotel after this victory.congrats guys.speak the truths even it hurts
— idah pee (@IdahPeterside) August 20, 2016
