Posted by By Tony Ubani on
AS Nigerians become emergency mathematicians, calculating on how their Super Eagles could still qualify for the World Cup courtesy of the annoying 1-1 draw with Angola, Skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha has heaped the blame of their misfortune on the doors of the Nigeria Football Association.
AS Nigerians become emergency mathematicians, calculating on how their Super Eagles could still qualify for the World Cup courtesy of the annoying 1-1 draw with Angola, Skipper Austin Jay Jay Okocha has heaped the blame of their misfortune on the doors of the Nigeria Football Association.
Okocha missed his way in London to the camp of the Eagles and did not join them in Kigali where the team played a 1-1 draw. But against Angola, Okocha got the first goal through a free kick which was also cancelled through a free kick by an Angolan player. Okocha attributed their 1-1 draw with Angola to the sweltering sunshine of Kano.
Reviewing the match, the Bolton Wanderers skipper said: 'whoever fixed the match for 4.00p.m did not mean well for Nigeria. I am not trying to make excuses. I have never been exhausted like that in my entire football playing career . And same goes to all the other players. I know that Nigerians will be pissed off. But they should understand where majority of the payers are coming from.
In Port Harcourt, the goals came late when we played with floodlight but we were never tired. After 30 minutes in Kano, we were all worn out and merely managed to hang in. If we must play in Kano, why fix the kick off for 4.00p.m? It's sad because it all appeared like some people were working against the qualification of the team. There was no home advantage to us because some people didn't want us to have it. It is sad. I am the oldest player in that team and I am telling you that I had never experienced that kind of heat in my whole career.
On his Most Valuable Player award, the player said that it did not mean anything to him. 'It would have meant more to me if the team won. Our victory is more important than an individual recognition. I would have felt happier too if we won and maybe another player won the MVP", he added.