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Former Nigerian footballer, Prince Ikpe Ekong has expressed his concerns over the recent developments within the Super Eagles’ camp.
Ikpe Ekong, who represented the Super Eagles between 2001 and 2004 under the late coach Shuaibu Amodu, voiced his thoughts following the controversial handling of the team’s coaching appointment.
Ikpe Ekong (L) and teammate Austin Okocha (second/L). (Photo ! FRANCK FIFE/AFP via Getty Images)
On August 27th, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) announced the appointment of German coach Bruno Labbadia as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, a decision that appeared crucial with the AFCON qualifiers approaching.
However, just three days later, Labbadia’s appointment was abruptly canceled.
The cause? A tax law misunderstanding oversight that any competent football federation should have anticipated. The NFF President revealed that after days of negotiation, the federation couldn’t accommodate the additional 32% to 40% in taxes required by German authorities.
Speaking on “No Holds Barred” on Brila FM with Ifeanyi Udeze, Ikpe Ekong expressed concern that the NFF’s mishandling of the situation could negatively affect the players mentally.
“You know, in football, there’s what we call mind games. And this mental aspect can impact the players significantly. Once the structure is disorganized, it reflects poorly on the team’s preparedness,” he said.
“Some players came expecting to meet a coach, only to find out there’s been a sudden change. We don’t take these things seriously, but they are the issues that plague Nigeria, and Africa in general.”
Ikpe Ekong further criticized the NFF’s lack of accountability, saying, “After this debacle, it will be as if nothing happened. Nobody will take responsibility. Even if we talk about it now, online or on air, people will soon forget because it has become the norm.”
He lamented that Nigeria has become a laughing stock, saying, “Meanwhile, we’ve turned into a laughing stock in Germany and across the world. They’re laughing at us. How long will we continue to be a playing toy? How long?”
Bruno Labbadia.
Despite the chaos, the 45-year-old remains optimistic about the Super Eagles’ chances in the upcoming qualifiers if they can work collectively as a team.
“We have the quality players needed to perform well. If the players do their job and work hard as a team, there’s hope they will get the result.”
Currently, nine players have arrived at the camp ahead of the clash against Benin in Uyo on September 7th. Three days later, the team will travel to Kigali to face Rwanda.
With Augustine Eguavoen set to take the helm again, Rangers Coach Fidelis Ilechukwu and Remo Stars coach Daniel Ogunmodede have been announced as his assistant coaches for the qualifiers.
Enugu Rangers head coach Fidelis Ilechukwu. Photo | Nigeria Football
