The Nigeria Football Federation has refuted claims made by Glasgow Rangers defender, Leon Balogun that Super Eagles were made to play on bad pitches in Nigeria.
The defender suggested that the Super Eagles are not provided with basic possibilities and that’s the reason, they struggled to play to their potentials at home.
Reacting to the statement, NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, explained in Abuja on Wedneday that the Eagles were moved around the country due to poor state of MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
He said the quality of pitches across the country has improved over the year and the Super Eagles were offered the very best.
“He also talked about playing pitches. Sincerely speaking, the past few years has seen a remarkable improvement in stadia infrastructure across the country. The team had to move round the States because the turf of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja got bad. Now, the pitch is coming back to shape.
“Presently, we have exciting venues in Uyo, Benin City, Asaba, Kaduna and Lagos. Without the team moving round the States, the governments of these States probably would not have devoted much efforts into putting these facilities in world-standard shape. There are remarkable improvements on facilities in Ibadan, the National Stadium in Lagos and a new one in Lagos. All these will benefit the teeming youth population of Nigeria who are interested in sports.”
On the issue of match bonuses raised by the defender in the media, Dr Sanusi, said the Federation is working round the clock to pay every dime they are owing the players.
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
