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NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has said there will be zero tolerance for non-commitment to the national teams going forward
NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has admonished the Super Eagles players after Nigeria’s loss to Guinea Bissau in the 2023 AFCON qualifying game on Friday.
The Super Eagles fell to their first defeat in 13 AFCON qualifying games against the Djurtus of Guinea Bissau, currently ranked 83 places below Nigeria in the FIFA rankings.
NFF President rues Guinea Bissau defeat
The defeat at the Moshood Abiola stadiums has been received with disdain by fans of the national team as well as NFF dignitaries, with President Gusau issuing a note of warning to current and future Super Eagles invitees, stating categorically what is expected of them going forward and what will no longer be tolerated.
Speaking to the current crop of Super Eagles players after the Guinea Bissau defeat, Gusau informed the players that a call-up to the national team was not under compulsion, and players were free to decline invites if they deemed it necessary.
He said, “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.”
Gusau also called for improved performances and attitudes from the players going forward, noting the discontent that the Super Eagles’ loss to Guinea Bissau had caused.
“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward,” he said, before continuing, “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.
NFF President demands more from Super Eagles and others
Speaking with players on Saturday, Gusau demanded an immediate turnaround of the present situation, and an increase in commitment, not just from the Super Eagles, but also from every cadre of Nigerian national teams including the U23 and U15 teams.
He said, “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 international level.”.
“Total commitment that we can see in your body language and output will now be a key factor in who wears Nigeria’s jerseys.”
Wrapping up his lecture to the Super Eagles players present, Gusau let the team know that lacklustre performances will no longer be tolerated, and players who were found guilty would be replaced by more willing alternatives.
“If some players are not ready to give their all at a particular time, others will be and will deliver for our country,” he concluded.
Nigeria take on Guinea Bissau in the return leg of their ill-fated AFCON 2023 qualifier looking to avenge the first leg defeat and restore some pride to the nation.
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