• It’s part of our rotation policy, not sack, says NFF
• More players arrive Eagles’ camp
The Professional Footballers Association of Nigeria (PFAN) may clash with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following the ‘sack’ of Super Eagles’ assistant coaches, Finidi George and goalkeepers’ trainer, Ike Shorunmu.
The duo were barred from Super Eagles’ camp, allegedly, on the request of head coach, Jose Peseiro, sports betting as the team prepares for Friday’s 2023 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau at the MKO Stadium, Abuja.
The NFF, has however, denied the sack saying: “As part of cost-cutting measures instituted at the beginning of the new administration, we established a rotation policy among the assistant coaches, based on the high number, which was agreed with all of them. The last time that the team had a programme, basketball betting tips Mr. Finidi George was the person who travelled for the friendly match in Portugal. This rotation policy is only for matches. When there is a tournament, all of them will be with the team.”
The Federation claimed that Finidi knew he would not be in the team for the games against Guinea Bissau, saying that the current trip is for Usman Abdallah.
“The other person, who could have been contending, Mr. Salisu Yusuf, has been sent to the U23 team. how to bet basketball over and under There was no victimisation, sleight of hand or any disrespect meant to our illustrious ex-international players.
“The case of goalkeepers’ trainer, Ike Shorounmu, is somewhat peculiar, as the former Nigerian goalkeeper showed a clear lack of desire to be in camp for the matches against Guinea Bissau.
“We do not want to go into any details because we have the utmost respect for all our ex-internationals, including Mr. Shorounmu. It was only when we got the clear signal that he was unwilling to come, and the Head Coach was in a quandary, that he (Coach Peseiro) requested for the services of Olatunji Baruwa, who he had seen at work during the U20 AFCON in Egypt, to help do the work of training the goalkeepers.”
Despite the NFF’s explanation, PFAN’s Deputy Secretary, Edema Fuludu, how many quarters are in basketball told The Guardian, yesterday, that the association would take necessary steps to unravel the circumstances that led to the ‘duo’s sack.’
“Shorunmu is a card-carrying member of PFAN and it is important we find out what really happened.”
We are not saying that the Super Eagles is the birth right of any ex-player, but a situation where coaches are being sacked without any genuine reason has to stop.
“Though Finidi is not a card-carrying member of PFAN, we will look into the two cases, but they have to come to us. It is not enough to play for the country. You have to belong to the association of ex-players. That is the practice all over the world.
“If the two coaches involved come to us (PFAN), then, we will know the step to follow. zero risk betting strategy As I said, the Super Eagles is not the birthright of anybody, but the right process has to be followed in disengaging coaches, who served the national teams,” he stated.
Asked if Shorunmu deserves to continue his job as Super Eagles goalkeepers’ trainer, considering his shortcomings in discovering local goalkeepers since the mid 2000s, Fuludu said: “That is left to the interpretation of the NFF. What we want is that due process should be followed.”
The Guardian recalls that Shorunmu was part of the Super Eagles squad to Egypt 2006 African Nations Cup. He had been alternating the team’s goalkeepers’ trainers’ position with Alloy Agu, but no notable home-based goalkeeper has been discovered under their watch.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles began preparations for the game against Guinea Bissau, yesterday, with their first training session (tactical awareness) at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja.
As at press time, 13 players have arrived for the game, which second leg will hold in Bissau on March 27.
In the camp are Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Joe Aribo, Alex Iwobi, Kenneth Omeruo, Paul Onuachu, Ademola Lookman, Kelvin Akpoguma, Semi Ajayi, Francis Uzoho, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daniel Bameyi and Chijioke Aniagboso.
