Details are emerging of the harrowing experience Nigeria’s U23 Eagles faced in Sudan in the 48 hours the team prepared for and played the first-leg African U23 Cup of Nations qualifier against the host.
In a twitter thread, NFF Reforms Committee member Osasu Obayiuwana, disclosed that the players were not given funds for feeding and left stranded when pre arrangement with the Sudan FA was botched at the last minute.
Below is the thread:
I am very angry right now. Hopping mad. 🤬How could @thenff send a team for an
@Olympics @Tokyo2020 qualifier in Sudan and they have no money for food? This was told to me by a highly-placed NFF official just now. @PinnickAmaju, Nigerians will ask for answers to this situation.
I am told that @thenff had a reciprocal hosting arrangement with the Sudanese FA, which it is being claimed the latter didn’t honour in Khartoum. Is that really an excuse for a Nigerian national team to travel without funds, for contingencies? SERIOUSLY?
A word for SM @SundayDareSD – @NigeriaGov is responsible for ALL @Olympics costs for
@Nigeria. Your civil servants may have not told you. Don’t allow them mess you up. Look at what has happened now. The Sports Ministry is a tough neighbourhood. Watch your step. Good day…
I am very angry right now. Hopping mad. 🤬How could @thenff send a team for an @Olympics @Tokyo2020 qualifier in Sudan and they have no money for food? This was told to me by a highly-placed NFF official just now. @PinnickAmaju, Nigerians will ask for answers to this situation. pic.twitter.com/wskUAeBdhM
— Osasu Obayiuwana (@osasuo) September 6, 2019
Nigeria lost 1-0 in Omdurman and will hope to over that deficit in the reverse fixture in Lagos on Tuesday, as the 2015 Champions are bidding to reach the 2020 Olympic Games.
