‘Players’ Poor Attitude, Bane Of Nigeria’s Football’

Soccer enthusiasts in Nigeria have continued to react to Zambia’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations and blamed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the competition on lack of cooperation among players.

Zambia, last Sunday in Libreville, Gabon, defeated Cote d’Ivoire 8-7 on penalties, after 120 minutes of the match had ended goalless.

It was the first time Zambia would win the championship which began as a continental competition in 1957.

Zambia nearly won the trophy in 1994 but lost 1-2 in the final to Nigeria in Tunisia, a year after the country lost almost all its players in a plane crash.

A former Head of Public Relations, Nigeria Football Association (NFA), Austin Mgbolu,  told newsmen “that Nigerian stars were too full of themselves.

“I must tell you that lack of cooperation among the players really led to their downfall and Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the finals.

“Many of our big professionals think they are too big to work for their country, they feel reluctant when they are called to play for their country.

“I believe Nigeria could have won the championship as they did in 1994, when they showed the world that they were hungry for goals,’’ Mgbolu said.

According to Mgbolu, Zambia won the competition through determination.

“There is no short cut to hard work; Zambia have shown that victory is possible through determination.

“Stars on their own cannot make a team; there is need for cooperation among them in order to succeed.

“Players must learn to humble themselves and work as a team, especially for the sake of the country that expects much from them,’’ he said.

In his contribution, Ahmed Maude, President, Referee Association of Nigeria, said that Zambia played an energetic game at the tournament, which was very good.

He advised the Super Eagles to cooperate, adding, however, that there were several academies that could build young players that would play for the country in the future.

“We will ensure that players from the grassroots are managed well so as to have patriotic ones,’’ Maude said.

Also, Mohammed Ameen, a CAF Referee Instructor, said that he wanted Zambia to win, to console them for what happened 18 years ago when 25 of their players and the coach, died in a plane crash.

He said that in addition to his wish, they also played a good game, as they had trained hard.

Ameen said that though Cote d’Ivoire had stars in their team who could have won the match, but they did not go the extra mile.

“African teams have shown to the world that they are determined and patriotic and can go to any length.

“Nigerian teams are not dedicated, loyal and determined; they should try to learn from Zambia and be more committed and display patriotism.

“The blame is ours; we refused to punish them each time they misbehaved but would rather pamper them,’’ he said.