Algerian Players Seek Probe Into Disabled Children

Published

13 years ago

November 21, 2011

Several former Algerian international footballers have called for an investigation into whether their children’s disabilities could be linked to medication given them in their playing days.

Eight former Algerian internationals have handicapped children, former defender Mohamed Chaib told AFP.

“We have serious doubts over the effects of medication that we were given during training camps,” said Chaib, a father of three girls all born with muscular dystrophy. “We just want the truth.”

One daughter died in 2005 at age 18 as a result of the disease, he said. He and his wife were given a series of tests but no abnormalities were found.

The players all represented Algeria in the 1982 and 1986 World Cups. Many football fans remember the team’s shock win over West Germany in the first round of the 1982 competition.

The players’ claim, however, was met with skepticism by Ali Fergani, captain of the “Desert Foxes” during the 1982 cup in Spain.

“The number of players who are parents of disabled children is minimal compared to the total number of players selected,” he said.

Players said they could not recall the names of the medications they suspect may have caused birth defects. Some said doctors never gave them their medical files, the El Watan newspaper reported.

Djamel Menad, a striker in the 1986 cup, said his daughter born in 1993 suffered from agenesis of the corpus callosum, a condition that causes seizures and muscle weakness.

Menad said it seemed unlikely to be a coincidence that several other players his age had children with disabilities and blamed the medications doctors handed out.

“Since I discovered I was not alone, I began to ask myself questions,” he said.

Menad thinks it is possible there is a link between the medicines and tonics doctors gave players.

“They gave us drugs and vitamins to battle for energy loss after training and matches,” Menad said.

But Fergani said the only substance he recalled being given was Vitamin C.

Former midfielder Mohamed Kaci Said, the father of a 26-year-old disabled daughter, also wants an investigation.

“Doubts persist until an enquiry has been opened and the truth told,” Said told newspaper El-Khabar.

He said he was shocked when his daughter was born and some thought he and his wife may have been related, but he stressed his wife is of Turkish origin.

Former midfielder Said said that foreign medical staff with the team may have been using players as guinea pigs to test drugs but Fergani insisted that all team doctors were Algerian.

Sports authorities in the former Soviet bloc have been found to have administered drugs to athletes without their knowledge in the 1970s and 1980s.

Algerian authorities have not commented on the allegations.

… As Coach Expresses Optimism To Qualify For 2026 W’Cup

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Finidi George has set his sights firmly on securing qualification for the 2026 World Cup, demanding unwavering commitment from his top players as the team aims to get their faltering qualifying campaign back on track.
Unveiled to the media in Abuja on Monday, Finidi, who succeeded the outgoing Portuguese coach Jose Peseiro, wasted no time in laying out his immediate priorities, two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin early next month.
“Nigeria comes first, that’s what I expect from every player I invite. You have to be playing in your club, and you must have the commitment,” Finidi told reporters on Monday.
Recognising the importance of a strong start, the former Ajax winger emphasised the significance of the upcoming clash against South Africa.
“The first targets are to qualify for the World Cup and AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations), and a win over South Africa will set the tone.”
Nigeria currently finds itself in third place in their qualifying group, with just two points from as many games, while South Africa sits second with three points.
Finidi, who has signed a year’s contract with an option for an additional year, acknowledged the immense pressure that comes with leading the national team of a country with over 200 million people.
However, he exuded confidence in his ability to withstand the scrutiny, stating, “I have a tough skin.”
While his salary remains undisclosed, the 53-year-old coach expressed a willingness to prioritise performance over immediate financial rewards.
“The salary is good enough for me, it’s not as much as that of (Jose) Peseiro.
“Money is good, but if you add value to what you do, the money will come. Then they can come and ask ‘Coach, how much do you want?” Finidi said.

Sports

I’m Not Under Pressure, I’ve Tough Skin – Finidi

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

New Super Eagles Coach, Finidi George, has underlined that the word pressure is not in his dictionary and appealed for support from key stakeholders including the media.
Speaking after his unveiling yesterday in Abuja, the former Enyimba of Aba coach said; “In life you cannot be afraid. As you see me here, I am a quiet person but I’m not afraid of anything. The worst you can get in football is not getting the result, the best you can get is winning all the time, and I will try my best to make sure that the team functions properly and we start winning games.”
On whether is under pressure to justify his appointment, the coach stressed; “Pressure, I don’t think I have it. I have that tough skin and I want to plead you guys, the media we need your support.
“What is in the contract is boldly written, what the NFF wants and Nigeria in general, but for me personally my first target is to make sure we are in line to qualify for the World Cup. AFCON qualifiers definitely will be coming up soon, but the major step for me is these two games that we have.
“If we can win against South Africa and Benin, we will set the tone.”
During the unveiling ceremony, the NFF confirmed that ex-Super Eagles striker; Daniel Amokachi and Abiden Baruwa will be the assistant coach and goalkeeper coach respectively.
The first assignment for Finidi, who won the Champions League with Ajax in 1995, is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Sports

Amusan Becomes World’s Fastest Woman, Sets New Track Record

Published

5 days ago

May 15, 2024

The Tide

Nigerian sprint icon Tobi Amusan has become the world’s fastest woman in the women’s 100m hurdles after running a world-leading 12.40 seconds.
In a thrilling race, the world record holder secured the victory, leaving behind Danielle Williams, the world champion, who clocked her best time of the season at 12.46 seconds. Following closely was American Christina Clemons, claiming the third spot with a time of 12.54 seconds.
This triumph means the Nigerian athlete has now claimed the top spot globally, surpassing American Tonea Marshall’s previous record of 12.42 seconds set in late April.
Tobi Amusan’s impressive win arrives just two months before the Paris 2024 Olympics, setting the stage for an exciting competition ahead.
John Enoh, the minister of sports development, on his X handle congratulated Amusan over the feat.
Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!
You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons.
“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time! You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd in 12.54s,” he wrote.
“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you.”