…Time to End The Timid Strategies
By By Eugene Upah
I recently came across the NFF ‘s protest statement regarding the alleged ill-treatment of Super Eagles players by the Libyan Football Association. Honestly I couldn’t help but laugh. I find the statement hypocritical and potentially aimed at conditioning Nigerian fans for a possible defeat or boycott by the Super Eagles in their return match against Libya.
For the umpteenth time, some of us have pointed out that those managing our football are the primary architects of its downfall. I have read some people shifting blame to the Minister of Sports, prompting a lengthy defensive response from the Minister. In my opinion this was unnecessary.
The NFF operates autonomously with minimal accountability to the Ministry. They provide routine updates at best. Unfortunately, the NFF has become a self-serving entity, answerable only to its funders, not the stakeholders or the public.
The Libyan team faced poor treatment in Nigeria last week, including a diverted flight from Lagos to Port Harcourt and a subsequent road trip to Uyo. They experienced additional frustrations which they publicly lamented and promised to return the favor when Nigeria visits Libya.
Fast-forward to the present. In a shocking repeat of events, the Super Eagles delegation faced similar hostility en route to Libya yesterday. Their chartered plane was mysteriously diverted to an alternate airport, away from Benghazi, just as the pilot began descent. And upon arrival, the team was left stranded for 13 hours and counting. This mirrors the NFF’s previous abandonment and poor hospitality. Now, rumors swirl about the team potentially boycotting the game. Should Nigerians clap and praise the NFF’s incompetence?
This ploy is deliberately designed to psychologically drain and demoralize opponents before game, rendering them emotionally spent and physically exhausted midway. The question remains: Must African football federations persist in such outdated and timid strategies?
Combat sports such like football, boxing, weightlifting and karate require as much psychological toughness than physical prowess. To perform optimally, athletes require a conducive environment, rejuvenated energy, and quality rest before competition.
The NFF needs to be held accountable to a higher authority. Establishing clear oversight and accountability measures would prevent most of these embarrassing incidents.
Peoplesmind
