Connect with us

Sports

2021 AFCON Qualifier: Super Eagles Threaten To Boycott Sierra Leone Clash

Published

on

The Super Eagles are planning to boycott this month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sierra Leone following unpaid match bonuses.

The double-header holds first at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, Delta State on March 27 before the reverse fixture in Freetown four days later.

The Eagles are currently owed allowances and win bonuses for their 2021 AFCON qualifying matches against Benin Republic and Lesotho.

The players get $5000 for an away win and the equivalent in Naira for victory at home.

“I won’t come for the game if we are not paid,” one of the France-based players told our correspondent.

“It’s a shame how we are being treated by the country. The Federal Government is not giving the football federation the right support both financially and otherwise. At last year’s AFCON in Egypt, we had to stage a protest before the FG brought money to Egypt. It’s embarrassing. We don’t like the way government treats us despite all we do for the country,” he added.

Another top player of the squad, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said he had already informed the federation of his decision to stay away from both games against their West African foes.

The forward, who is based in England, said, “I’ve spoken with some senior officials of the NFF about my decision, if we don’t get the match bonuses before my flight is booked for both games against Sierra Leone, they should forget it. I won’t come. Government officials get paid without hassles, why do they always like to hold on to our allowances?”

It was also learnt that the players would have staged a boycott of games before now, but for the assurance of the NFF president Amaju Pinnick.

“We understand the plight of the NFF and president Pinnick, that’s why we keep listening to him anytime he pleads with us to give them time to sort out the money issue. We know it’s not their fault. We follow what’s going on in the federation even though we are based abroad and we understand that the federation did not get a dime from the sports ministry for both games against Benin (Uyo) and Lesotho (Maseru).

“It’s getting out of hand and we may be forced to boycott the next games; perhaps that would make the government take us more seriously.”

Gernot Rohr’s men had in the past threatened to boycott training during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt while the Flying Eagles and the Super Falcons have also complained of the same injustice by the country’s football body.

Nigeria currently lead Group L with six points from their opening two games, Benin are second with three points while Lesotho and Sierra Leone occupy third and fourth spots with a point each after two games.

Source: Sports Extra

Loading

Sports

Zidane Will Join Man United, Says Baptista

Published

on

Former Brazil international, Julio Baptista has backed former Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane to eventually take over at Manchester United.

Man United are currently managed by Erik ten Hag, who is facing an uncertain future after a tough season.

After finishing third last season, winning the Carabao Cup and reaching the FA Cup final, Ten Hag’s side have had 16 defeats across competitions this campaign.


However, Zidane has been touted as one of the options for the Red Devils’ hot seat at Old Trafford.

“Zidane was the best player I have ever played with,” Baptista told Ladbrokes (via Metro).

“Playing with him and sharing a dressing room with him was very special. He is one the best in the world.


“I think he will be a Premier League manager someday. He is an incredible coach, with amazing experience having won the Champions League, so I can see that happening. I can see him going to Manchester United.

Loading

Continue Reading

Sports

Alphonso Davies, Bayern Munich At War Over New Contract

Published

on

Nedal Huoseh, agent of the Bayern Munich full-back Alphonso Davies, has lamented the treatment he is currently receiving from the club.

The Canada international is widely regarded as one of the best full-backs in the world, and one of the best North American players of all time.

Huoseh criticised Bayern Munich in comments made to BILD and relayed by football expert Fabrizio Romano.

Davies has a verbal agreement to join Real Madrid either this summer or next according to The Athletic.

In recent weeks, however, the Bavarians have put pressure on Davies’ camp to renew a deal that expires on June 30, 2025.

Over at MARCA, they say that the Bundesliga giants have told Davies to commit his future to them immediately or be sold in the next transfer window.

Davies’ agent Huoseh, told BILD: “It’s unfair to receive an ultimatum from Bayern. We will decide how to proceed at the end of the season when there is more clarity.

“It’s unfair that Alphonso is now being attacked.

“We were close to an agreement a year ago. Then the entire club management was replaced. We didn’t hear anything for seven months. Although, I tried during this time to contact the club myself.


“Now we are being given an ultimatum and are supposed to react within two weeks because the club is under pressure and took a long time to reposition itself in the management. That’s not fair.

“It’s a very important contract in Alphonso’s career and we’re supposed to make the decision without knowing who the coach will be next season or what the team looks like. That’s why we think it’s unfair to react to the ultimatum.”

Loading

Continue Reading

Sports

Guardiola To Face Arsenal Without Key Players

Published

on

Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola, could be without seven key players for their clash against Arsenal.

Matheus Nunes, Manuel Akanji, John Stones and Kyle Walker picked up injuries during their time away with their international team.

The trio join Ederson, Kevin de Bruyne and Jack Grealish on the injury list.


Daily Mail reports Walker is a major doubt for the upcoming clash against Arsenal.

Walker will undergo scans alongside Stones.

The club are also monitoring the situations of Ederson, De Bruyne and Grealish and will make a late call for the trio.

Loading

Continue Reading

Recent Posts




JOIN US ON FACEBOOK

Trending