Is there any thing surprising about Nigeria?
Nothing really!
From keeping our players stranded at the Olympics to confisticating the cash given to them by a Japanese businessman. Nigerians have seen it all! Now, the NFF Boss, Pinnick is hinting that the Super Eagles may have to squat in Zambia if more hotel rooms are not provided for the World Cup Qualifiers!
He raised the alarm on Tuesday and lamented before the Senate Committee on Sports that there was inadequate funding.
He said, “Nigeria was paired with former Africa Cup of Nations winners, Zambia, Algeria and Cameroon, who have been to the World Cup seven times. Algeria is the highest ranked team in Africa as we speak. It is a group that is called ‘Group of Death’, which means we need to intensify our preparations. We need to monitor our players and make sure that the ticket is made available.
“Before now, we have sent a representation to government for intervention because funds were not coming in from our sponsors, which relates to the economy of the country at the moment and it has been very difficult for them –that is what they claim. So, we didn’t have any option but to resort to writing to government, which we did and we are still waiting for a response from them and the match is five days away.”
He said that although they have made arrangements for 70 rooms, they have not been paid for.
Pinnick added, “We have been able to secure about 60 to 70 rooms but we need to make some payments so that they (the hotel) will keep the rooms because everybody wants to come and watch that game in Zambia and that is our predicament.
“Beyond that, we are also looking at the next game against Algeria, which is coming up on November 9 in Uyo. The Algerian national team have informed me that they are coming in about two to three private jets.”
