November 10, 2009
As I type this out, the score in the quarterfinal match between Nigeria and South Korea stands at 1-1 with 45 minutes played. The young (U-17 looking) Koreans have matched their much older opponents to the shame of the Nigerian FA and the Sports Ministry who collectively fielded obviously over-aged players in a dishonest move to win the U-17 World Cup.
It is general knowledge that the Nigerian Football League is no place for kids. It is indeed rare for one to hear of, talk less of knowing an actual player in the league who is certifiably below 22 years old. This is because the league is extremely physical and a young lad who makes the mistake of playing with hardened old men courts the risk of early retirement. Ask Lionel Messi.
I look at the Nigeria's U-17 team and I shake my head in disgust. I wonder if FIFA officials are blind or they look at Nigeria with pity and allow this fraud to take place. I wonder why the teams Nigeria defeated enroute the quarter-finals have not taken their case to the International Court of Justice in protest. For me, it's an open and shut case. Recently, a leading football figure in Nigeria (I can't really spell his name so bear with me) openly spoke the truth about the Nigerian team captain, John Chukwudi who he declares is at least 25 years old. He claims to have records to back his declaration, as MR. (emphasis mine) Chukwudi played under him some years back. (I think he was economical with the truth. That guy looks more like 28-29, if he is older by a day!) Trust the vultures in the Nigeria Football Federation. They came out with guns blazing and vilified the gentleman for blowing wind which threatened to open their 'nyashes'. I wonder how many of these money-loving, semi-literate misfits collected bribes from these set of players before they were forced on the lame-duck coach, John Obuh? Lame duck coach, you say? I recall the case of former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu who was reported to 'beg' foreign based players for material gifts. And you wonder why we keep seeing the same set of players every time there is a game to be played. There's no way I'ld give you a gift of 2,000 pounds and you won't pick me for the next game. Or if I play rubbish, you'll substitute or bench me! And you wonder why Nigeria is going to miss the next World Cup in South Africa (unless a Nigerian League referee officiates in the Tunisia-Mozambique game and another in the Kenya-Nigeria match)
I'm going to hit the FIFA wbsite with careers as my end destination. I want to check and see if there is any vacancy for 'youth competitions age-verifier'. I'm more than qualified! I don't need any tools to work, except my eyes and a functional brain which I possess presently. Ok, maybe I'll need a posse of native doctors to counter the 'juju' some people will fling my way for 'spoiling their market'!
I'm rooting for the school boys of South Korea. I want them to win so the madmen in the glass house get eggs in their faces and the world is spared the irritation of watching the fraud perpetuated by them. What a load of crap!
(Last word: Nigeria beat South Korea by three goals to one. Sad... ...)
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