Super Eagles
The play-off of the 2014 World Cup slated for next month is likely to delay the implementation of the Code of Conduct recommended for the Super Eagles by the Segun Adeniyi panel.
The panel inaugurated by Sports Minister, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, to find out why the senior national team players and their officials embarrassed the nation in Namibia over reduced match allowances, had among other things, recommended a Code of Conduct to stem misdemeanor in the camp of the Super Eagles.
Abdullahi accepted the recommendations and had even promised to implement them at the handing over ceremony last month.But after Super Eagles’ last group phase victory against Malawi in Calabar early this month and the eventual pitting of Nigeria against Ethiopia in the play-off stage scheduled for next month, there is a rethink in football circle now on when to implement the rule.
Abdullahi accepted the recommendations and had even promised to implement them at the handing over ceremony last month.But after Super Eagles’ last group phase victory against Malawi in Calabar early this month and the eventual pitting of Nigeria against Ethiopia in the play-off stage scheduled for next month, there is a rethink in football circle now on when to implement the rule.
"The panel's report is very strategic and as soon as we are done with the World Cup qualifying matches, we will implement the report fully," Abdullahi had said while receiving the report from Mr. Adeniyi.
"We don't want to introduce the report now so that it does not distract us from the work we have at hand now.We will continue to manage it. It is after the World Cup qualifiers that we plan to put in place the structures that can provide the final solution to it," stressed the minister. The Special Assistant to the Sports Minister, Julius Ogunro, told BBC Sports yesterday that there is no official commitment to back down on decision to slash bonuses paid to the players in the national team.
"We don't want to introduce the report now so that it does not distract us from the work we have at hand now.We will continue to manage it. It is after the World Cup qualifiers that we plan to put in place the structures that can provide the final solution to it," stressed the minister. The Special Assistant to the Sports Minister, Julius Ogunro, told BBC Sports yesterday that there is no official commitment to back down on decision to slash bonuses paid to the players in the national team.
"The players were paid $5,000 each for the win against Malawi and there was no problem," Ogunro stressed.
"The minister has taken this step to prevent distractions as he understands the huge task before the team as they prepare for their World Cup play-off.
"There is no change on the bonus agreement. Implementation of the panel recommendation will be done at the end of the qualifiers."
Back in June Nigeria's players had initially refused to go to the Confederations Cup following their 1-1 draw in Namibia in a World Cup qualifier as they were unhappy with the bonus payments offered by the NFF.
"There is no change on the bonus agreement. Implementation of the panel recommendation will be done at the end of the qualifiers."
Back in June Nigeria's players had initially refused to go to the Confederations Cup following their 1-1 draw in Namibia in a World Cup qualifier as they were unhappy with the bonus payments offered by the NFF.
The sports ministry intervened and made extra money available, eventually allowing the squad to travel to Brazil - two days late and only around 36 hours before its opening game against Tahiti.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles defender, Elderson Echeijile, has said that Nigeria will not depend on past records against Ethiopia in next month’s World Cup playoffs.
Nigeria enjoys a favourable record against Ethiopia having won four, drawn two and lost only once to the East Africans.But Sporting Braga defender Echiejile said what would matter most when both clash again next month would be what they produce on the pitch.
Nigeria enjoys a favourable record against Ethiopia having won four, drawn two and lost only once to the East Africans.But Sporting Braga defender Echiejile said what would matter most when both clash again next month would be what they produce on the pitch.
“Records are always there, but we will just go all out to do our best so we could be in Brazil next year,” maintained the left back on his official website www.elderson3.com
He said the Eagles cannot afford to underrate Ethiopia even though most Nigeria fans have already given the Eagles the ticket to Brazil 2014.
“I can understand the belief the fans now have in the Eagles, but we cannot afford to underrate any team especially at this stage of the qualifiers,” he said.
“What is certain is that they will come with everything at us because they also want to be in Brazil for the World Cup,” stressed Echiejile.
“I can understand the belief the fans now have in the Eagles, but we cannot afford to underrate any team especially at this stage of the qualifiers,” he said.
“What is certain is that they will come with everything at us because they also want to be in Brazil for the World Cup,” stressed Echiejile.
0 comments:
Post a Comment