Albion defender Gaetan Bong and his Cameroon colleagues have been given extra motivation by a pay bust-up.

That is the verdict of boss Clarence Seedorf as the Dutch legend tries to steer Cameroon to a sixth Africa Cup of Nations triumph.

The defending champions’ preparations for the tournament in Egypt were disrupted by a row over bonuses.

Seedorf believes adversity will bring the best out of his players, including Seagulls left-back Bong who has resurrected his international career after a self-imposed exile.

Seedorf said: “That issue actually reinforced team spirit. We have prepared well and are highly motivated.”

Cameroon play Guinea-Bissau in their opening game tonight before a heavyweight clash with Ghana on Saturday.