Former Nigeria international, Duke Udi has thrown his support behind Alex Iwobi after the player faced criticism from fans over a video he shared from the team’s hotel in Morocco.
Udi, speaking Brila.net said Iwobi is entitled to express himself and that his video should not be blown out of proportion.
“This our country is a very special country, everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Iwobi is also entitled to his, that’s why he behaved the way he did. For me, this is just a distraction.
Alex Iwobi shared the conditions outside his hotel room in Morocco ahead of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff match. pic.twitter.com/V80r3XIhEY
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“What’s important is that we should win the game against Gabon and qualify for the CAF Playoff finals,” Udi said.
“He has played more than 300 Premier League games. If someone says a hotel will distract him, it’s a big lie. He can afford any hotel in the world. People are just reading different meanings into what he did.
“These players are humans like us, with families, wives, and children. They are adults, let’s respect them.”
Udi also urged the Super Eagles players to remain focused on their mission and avoid distractions.
“Let’s focus on the game, to play and win for Nigeria. Their careers are at stake; no one loses more from missing out on the World Cup than the players themselves.
“Without the players, there’s no football, no coaches, no federation. They are the actors of the game.”
NFF Will Not Change
Udi also spoke candidly about the long-standing issue of unpaid bonuses and allowances within the NFF.
“This didn’t start today. Even when we were playing, it happened. In Nigeria, you only get your money when you speak out.
“We experienced it in Egypt when we were trying to qualify for the Olympics. They offered us $5,000, but Sunday Oliseh refused because he knew once you collect it and play, you won’t see anyone again,” Udi recalled.
Also read: Super Eagles Shift Focus to Gabon after ‘Resolution’ with NFF over Bonus Dispute
“These current players are right to demand their money. They have families to feed.
“If anything happens to them tomorrow, people will still ask what they did with their earnings. Why are they being owed when FIFA and CAF grants exist? Where has the money been going?”
Nigeria face Gabon on Thursday in the FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Playoffs.
