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| NIGERIA : VOGTS' arrival postponed |
According to an article published on February 28 by BBC Sport correspondant in Lagos Oluwahina OKELEJI, Berti VOGTS refused to travel to Nigeria until he was paid. The German coach of the Super Eagles was due to arrive in Nigeria on Tuesday February 27 but refused to go there until three months' salary have been paid. Despite the NFA (Nigeria Football Association) issued a press statement explaining that VOGTS had requested that his trip be postponed - but no reason was given, - Emeka EZEALA, a representative of VOGTS revealed that the latter was forced to cancel his trip due to a breach in his contract signed a few weeks ago. According to that contract, "VOGTS is supposed to be paid three months salary in advance, said EZEALA. The agreement stipulates that the money should be paid by February 14, but has so far not been remitted in VOGTS' account. VOGTS will arrive in Nigeria "but first this payment has to be made," added EZEALA.
On Wednesday February 28 in the afternoon VOGTS said he would be flying to Nigeria on March 13, "because it wouldn't make any sense to be there before that and just lie around on the beach," said he. He was scheduled to reach Lagos on Tuesday February 27 night but missed his flight. Finally it turned out that VOGTS refused to travel until his first three months salary be paid, but EZEALA confirmed to BBC Sport that the coach will be in Lagos on March 13. The first challenge of VOGTS as coach of the Super Eagles will be to win the African Cup of Nations qualifying match against Uganda on March 24.
On another issue FIFA threatens to submit the case of Nigeria to the FIFA Executive Committee meeting on March 22-23 if the government doesn't repeal from the country's statute book the infamous Decre 101 which allows the government to interfer in the running of football in the country. Last August FIFA sent a letter to the NFA requesting it to intervene with the government "without delay" and provide a "firm timeline" for the abolition of that decree. Amongst the powers under Decree 101 the sports ministry can appoint the NFA secretary-general, who is also the chief executive officer of Nigerian football. This decree goes against FIFA's statutes protecting the independence of national associations.
Samuel MBAJUM
(Source BBC Sport)
09/03/2007 |
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