Enyeama must apologise – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation insists Super Eagles goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama must apologise for questioning the security situation in Kaduna ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Chad on June13 in the city.

Enyeama had said he was not satisfied with the choice of Kaduna, following the current security conditions and challenges in parts of the North.

“I am concerned because of the security thing. I really don’t care where we play as long as there is going to be security and safety of the players and everyone coming to watch the match,” Enyeama had said.

But the NFF was upset that the captain of the national team made such   comments and queried the Lille goalkeeper. His case was also referred to the Ordinary & Disciplinary Committee of the NFF.

The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, said the “uncomplimentary comments” cost the football body a huge sum of money.

The committee was ready to listen to Enyeama’s explanation on Tuesday, but the player did not show up, saying he was not invited.

“Enyeama was not at the sitting in Abuja on Tuesday because he was on holidays. However, his comments about the choice of Kaduna for the game against Chad were quite unbecoming,” Chairman of the committee, Christopher Green, was quoted as saying on SuperSport.

“He must apologise for his actions or face severe actions.”

The 32-year-old, who is the most capped Nigerian player with 101 appearances, toldBBC Sport that he was not officially asked to appear before the committee on Tuesday.

“I respect my country and those in charge of our football, which is why I find the whole thing strange,” he said.

“As the captain, I only raised our concerns about the venue before our game, which didn’t go down well with the football authorities.

“I was told to apologise for my comments, which I did immediately, and they told me that’s fine.

“I only received a letter cautioning me about it (my comments) and to avoid a repeat of such. As it was resolved in-house, I thought that was the end of the matter.

“I only found out about a disciplinary hearing in the media but I didn’t get any letter to that effect.”