The Togo national football team, known as the Sparrowhawks, expressed concerns about the qualification bonus after their training sessions on Thursday. Captain Emmanuel Adebayor addressed the issue in front of Togo’s Prime Minister Arthème Awumey-Zunu, stating, “We know that this is a crucial match for us and for the sporting public. We spoke with the minister to put our minds at ease. And on Sunday, as we want to do, if everything is on the table, I think that what an entire country is waiting for, which is qualification, will be achieved.”
In response, Prime Minister Awumey-Zunu emphasized the importance of performance on the pitch first, stating, “Know that everything is first on the pitch and then everything will be on the table. If everything is on the pitch, be sure that everything will be on the table. But we understand each other, people of good company, know that we will join hands, and if we join hands, no one will let go.”
Despite the prime minister’s reassurance, the Sparrowhawks refused to train the next morning, demanding clarity on the qualification bonus. The players stayed in their hotel rooms, signaling concerns and potentially escalating tensions.
