I was shocked by recent reports that Ex English international Glenn Hoddle was approached for a kick back and when he refused this cost him the chance to lead the Eagles to the World Cup. If this allegations are true, then it is a big shame that some people entrusted with our football would put selfish reasons ahead of doing what's best for Nigerian football. The story goes that Hoddle had impressed the assessors and agreed a salary of one million dollars only to be told that $1.5million would be announced to the public. When he refused to play ball, he was promptly overlooked for the post.
Nigeria we hail thee! No other place can you hear such a story. I read on www.africansoccerunion.com about the involvement of respected FIFA licensed agent John Shittu amidst stories of fake robbery claims and misleading of the Presidential Task Force on Nigeria's 2010 World Cup (PTF) Chairman, Gov. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers state and his counter part from Kwara State, Bukola Saraki .
According to the website and I quote, “Shittu denied ever telling Gov. Saraki of any bribery allegation when the investigative panel set up by the PTF Chairman summoned him. He was said to have begged for clemency after he was thoroughly washed down by the panel. He was also at the VIP during the Nigeria versus DR Congo international friendly match on Wednesday appealing to members of the panel for forgiveness.”
It is really very appalling, and derogatory to the image of Nigerian football not only now, but in the near future. With this kind of report, many top coaches will be turned off at the prospect of having anything to do with Nigerian football.
Surprisingly, uncharacteristic of the western press that blow such negative stories of Nigeria sky high, I have yet to read anything about it here in the UK. Or have I been reading the wrong papers?
[THIS ARTICLE WAS OUBLISHED BEFORE THE WORLD CUP IN SPORTS MAIL, A LAGOS BASED SPORTS PAPER WHERE I HAVE A COLUMN TITLED JOHNNY IN THE DIASPORA]
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