Ado Salisu
Former Chairman of the Gombe State Football Association and two-time Chairman of Gombe United Football Club, Hon. Ahmed Shuaibu Gara-Gombe, has cautioned Super Eagles players to embrace patriotism, professionalism, and discipline, warning against selfish conduct capable of embarrassing the nation.
Speaking in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Gara-Gombe condemned the alleged boycott of training sessions by some Super Eagles players in Morocco over demands for bonuses and outstanding allowances.
He described the action as unpatriotic, greedy, and embarrassing, particularly at a time when Nigeria is under global media attention due to an international tournament.
“It is unfortunate and painful that some of these Super Eagles players are behaving in an idiotic, greedy, and unpatriotic manner. Why do they always choose to embarrass Nigeria whenever they are given the opportunity to represent the country, all in the name of bonuses?”
Gara-Gombe, who is also a former Chairman of the Nigeria Football Stakeholders Forum, expressed concern that some players who lobbied and begged to be invited to the national team later turned around to hold the country to ransom.
“They enjoy free flights, free accommodation, free feeding, and yet they decide to boycott training over peanuts compared to what they earn monthly at their foreign clubs.”
He questioned the timing of the protest, noting that the Super Eagles had about two months between their World Cup qualifying match against Tanzania and the playoff encounter with DR Congo in Morocco to raise any legitimate concerns.
“Why didn’t they make their demands known during that two-month window? Why wait until camp opens and preparations are ongoing to disrupt training?”
The former Kano State government adviser stressed that international tournaments are opportunities for countries to project a positive image, lamenting that the players’ conduct painted Nigeria in a bad light before the global football community.
Drawing comparisons with other African nations, Gara-Gombe said players from countries like Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa place national pride above financial incentives.
“Hakimi earns about one million euros monthly at PSG. How much do you think Morocco pays him? He only needs the national team shirt. Based on my knowledge, Morocco does not pay allowances the way Nigeria does. Their players value national colours.”
He further questioned the leadership within the team, expressing disappointment with the role of the captain.
“I question the usefulness of Wilfred Ndidi’s captaincy in this situation. He is not the first captain to lead such protests, but leadership demands responsibility.”
Gara-Gombe warned that any boycott of the crucial match against Algeria could attract public backlash.
“If they like, let them boycott the match. Just pray for luck and win. If you lose, Nigerians will stone you.”
He urged football authorities to focus more on home-based players, arguing that Nigeria has capable talents in the local league who can replace players unwilling to put national interest first.
“Many AFCON teams have at least seven home-based players. Nigeria can do the same. We should stop tolerating players who constantly hold the nation to ransom.”
Gara-Gombe concluded by warning that lack of discipline during active playing years could lead to regret later in life.
“Some of these players may end up as beggars after retirement. Even when given administrative roles, they fail. This behaviour is unacceptable and total nonsense.”