Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, President of the Nigeria Football Federation, announced on Saturday that, in addition to competence and current form, visible total commitment implying patriotic fervour will now be a key factor for any football player who wishes to wear the nation’s green-white-green jersey at any level.
Gusau’s statements, delivered to Super Eagles players on Saturday morning, were a direct reference to the Eagles’ 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying loss to Guinea Bissau at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Friday, which dropped them to second place in their qualification group.
Mama Balde’s goal in the 29th minute was the only goal of the game, sending the Eagles to defeat in front of raucous home fans.
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The Eagles had a dozen chances in the second half but were unable to put the ball in the Wild Dogs’ goal.
Watch NFF President, Ahmed Gusau address Super Eagles players
“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.
“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.
“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 international level.”
Gusau stated that the message is for all sides, including the U23 Men’s Team, Olympic Eagles, who failed to score against Guinea in an Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier at the same stadium on Wednesday.
Gusau stated that the message is for all sides, including the U23 Men’s Team, Olympic Eagles, who failed to score against Guinea in an Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifier at the same stadium on Wednesday.
“Total commitment that 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.”
Team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the loss and promised that the players would make amends in the rematch on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will board a chartered flight from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 7 a.m. on Sunday.
On Monday, the match will begin at 5 p.m. Guinea Bissau time (6 p.m. Nigeria time) at the Stadium 24 de Setembro.