Sports
Ikorodu United’s Players Lament Unpaid Salaries
Players of Lagos-based Ikorodu United FC have complained of the club’s inability to pay their salaries for the past six months.
The players, who expressed their disappointment, told newsmen that the unpaid salaries had affected their morale and those of the staff of the club.
They said that the dwindling fortunes of the club in their campaign in the Nigeria National League (NNL) was the result of the high indebtedness of the club to its officials and players.
Tidesports source gathered that Ikorodu United was relegated to the lower league after their unsuccessful campaign in the 2015/2016 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
Ikorodu United was demoted after coming last on the NPFL log with a measly seven wins, 11 draws and a huge 18 losses with just 32 points.
However, things have continued to go from bad to worse as Ikorodu United is now battling relegation from the NNL.
The Oga Boys currently sit second from the drop zone in the Southern Conference of NNL that has 18 teams.
The team occupies 16th position with a paltry three wins, three draws and 10 losses with 12 points from 15 matches.
Complaining about the team’s plight, a reliable source said that the management was to blame for its precarious position in the NNL.
“The management has to be blamed, they are not paying and expect us to play with empty stomach. Aside that, we also have families who depend on us.
“It is a tough time for the club as some of the sponsors have also withdrawn their sponsorships. It is highly discouraging.
“The club need to do something fast so as not to lead the club to its extinction,’’ he said.
A player said anonymously that he was being owed six months’ salary arrears and that had affected his morale.
“Currently, I am not happy at all, I am indebted to many people whom I have promised to pay after our salaries are paid.
“Till now, we have not been paid for six months, I am just managing myself.’’
However, commenting on the players grouse, the Media Officer of the Club, Tunde Babalola, said that the management was working to improve their lot.
“We will get better as the days go by, the club’s management is working towards the success of the club, hence, there will be improvement soon,’’ he said.
The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.
Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.
Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.
“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
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