NFF Reports Gabon to CAF over Harsh Treatment of Officials
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reported Gabonese authorities to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over an incident in Lome that saw Gabonese authorities disembark the U-17 National Team delegates from a Gabon–bound flight.
The delegates -consisting of 18 players and six officials, led by NFF Chief Technical Officer, Siji Lagunju- had flown from Calabar to Lagos and travelled by road from Lagos to Cotonou as a result of the cancellation of all Gabon–bound flights from Lagos. Their entry to Libreville via Lome, was however denied as they were subjected to harsh treatment and offloaded from the aircraft along with their luggage.
In a protest letter signed by the General Secretary, Musa Amadu, the NFF said: “On getting to Lome, our delegation Members were disembarked and their luggage brought out of the aircraft, and told that they would no longer be flown to Libreville, on the orders of Gabonese Authorities.
“We strongly protest this harsh, unkind and unfair treatment of players below the age of 17, who have had to go through this arduous and tiring journey only to further their career in football. We are very much aware that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stated clearly that football matches should not take place in only three countries, namely Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia, as a result of the Ebola Virus Disease pandemic. Our players have taken serious precautions and even have Ebola–free Medical Certificates.
“The Nigeria Football Federation is sorely disappointed by this attitude of Gabonese authorities and we implore CAF to come into this matter and determine the issue of the qualifying fixture.”
