The Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung has accused Nigeria Football Federation of being responsible for the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals to be hosted by Gabon next year January.
Dalung said the negative signal was sent when the NFF failed to attend the meeting organised by the Confederation of African Football to discuss Chad’s position in the competition.
He said the NFF absconded from the meeting already knowing that the outcome of the meeting would affect Nigeria’s chances of qualification.
Speaking in Abuja at a news briefing, Dalung said, “It is sad that we are not attending the Nations Cup back to back and I guess it is because that we are not playing the politics of football well.”
He disclosed that if one or two Nigerians were in the CAF executive committee, the situation would not have been the same.
He pointed out that until the NFF resolved its internal issues, the national team will make no progress.
Dealing said, “Hiring and firing of coaches is a problem.
“If the coaches are wrong and the NFF are right, then one should know that something is wrong.
“People should not put personal interest over national interest.
“We have not measured up to expectation.
“I have convened a meeting of the entire NFF Board where I will x-ray their performance and present an authentic position of what transpired to Nigerians.”
He further added that the NFF and the Ministry of Youth and Sports had no explanation and justification for not qualifying for the AFCON 2017 because everything needed was provided.
He added: “The problem started when the national coach resigned two weeks to the match.
“It is like a General resigning before a war.
“I did my best to pacify the coach, but he opted to resign, claiming some booby traps were set for him.”
.
Comments