The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has read the riot act to the Super Eagles and other national team players over their dwindling performances.
Gusau emphasized that visible total commitment, along with competence and current form, would now be a key factor for selection in the national team at any level.
The Super Eagles lost 0-1 to Guinea Bissau in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday in Abuja, pushing them down to second place in their qualification group. Gusau expressed disappointment and demanded an immediate reaction, starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday.
Gusau made it clear that no player would be encouraged to wear Nigeria’s colors against their wishes. If players are not physically, psychologically, or mentally ready to play, they are free to decline. Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from all their teams going forward.
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“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time. If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.
“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward,” the NFF President said.
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”I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed.
“Things must change, starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at the international level,” Gusau said.
Gusau’s message also extended to all the teams, down to the under-15 male side known as Future Eagles. Total commitment, visible in body language and output, would be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys.
“This message is for all the teams, down to the under-15 male side known as Future Eagles.
“Total commitment which we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys.
“If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” the NFF President stated.
Team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat and assured them that the players were ready to redeem themselves in the return match on Monday.
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