The President, Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, says his administration will not discriminate against selection of Nigerian footballers born in any part of the world into any of the national teams.
NFF Director of Media and Communications, Ademola Olajire, disclosed this on Wednesday.
“This clarification becomes necessary in view of an incorrect report that has been given wings by a section of the media (not The PUNCH), insinuating that the NFF President spoke of an impending wall against overseas-born or overseas-based players as far as selection of players into the national teams is concerned.
“The NFF president spoke about something different from the message that is being conveyed. There is no way an administration that has promised inclusiveness and pledged to stick by merit and quality will go the route of discrimination.”
Olajire assured that the selectors for the national teams would be given the free hand to pick players of Nigeria origin from any part of the world, as long as they qualified to represent Nigeria and were good enough.
“The NFF president is unhappy with the slant given the story and insists that no form of discrimination or exclusivity will be tolerated under his tenure. The best will always be in the nest to represent the best interest of our great nation.
“Sentiments will have no place in the new administration. Anyone who is good enough and is a bona fide Nigerian will be given a level field to fight for the shirt, proudly sing the anthem and play under the flag of our nation.”
Credit: punchng.com
