The Nigeria Football Federation has said any Suoer Eagles player unwilling to play any match can decline an invitation as a lackadaisical attitude towards matches would no longer be tolerated.
The NFF President Ibrahim Gusau read the riot act following the Eagles’1-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau in the African Cup of Nations qualifier played at the Moshood Abiola Stadium on Friday.
He said apart from competence and current form, commitment will be another criterion for invitation to the national team.
“Let us be very clear about one thing: no player will ever be encouraged against his wish to wear Nigeria’s colours at any time. If an invitation is extended to you at any time but you are not physically, psychologically or mentally up to it, you are free to decline.
“Nigeria demands good performances and positive results from any of the teams going forward. I was sorely disappointed by your performance against Guinea Bissau and I know that Nigerians at home and in the diaspora are more than disappointed. Things must change starting with the return match in Guinea Bissau on Monday. Our country is too big to be getting these poor results at international level.”
Team captain Ahmed Musa apologized to the NFF and Nigerians for the defeat and assured that the players are ready to redeem themselves in the return match on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria delegation to Monday’s match in Bissau will depart from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja at 7am on Sunday aboard a chartered flight. The match comes up at the Estadio 24 de Setembro starting from 5pm Guinea Bissau time (6pm Nigeria time) on Monday.
