The late arrival of Super Eagles forward Kelechi Iheanacho to camp should no longer be tolerated according to Football Executive Mr David Doherty; npflupdates.com reports.
Iheanacho was among the few players that arrived late to the Super Eagles camp as they prepare for a 2025 AFCON qualifier game against Benin Republic.
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According to Mr Doherty who’s currently based in the United Kingdom, the issues of late arrival to camp by some players needs to be addressed.
What was said about Kelechi Iheanacho and Maduka Okoye
“This attitude of Kelechi Iheanacho and Maduka Okoye coming to the Super Eagles camp late needs to be addressed by the NFF. It is unbecoming of both players,” Mr Doherty posted on his Facebook handle.
Mr Doherty recalled that the former Manchester City forward alongside Udinese Calcio goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, without concrete reasons normally arrive to camp late.
He stressed that, Iheanacho had no reason to arrive late to camp as he wasn’t part of the Sevilla FC team that played in the La Liga last weekend.
“In the last Super Eagles camping, both players were latecomers for no concrete reason,” Doherty recalled.
“In the last game Sevilla played on Sunday, Kelechi Iheanacho was not even part of the team. The last game Udinese played was also on Sunday.
“A player who was given a late call-up made it to the camp earlier than both players. I cannot remember the last time Iheanacho came to the camp of the Super Eagles early.”
He continued, “This late camping attitude was one of the reasons we lost against Benin Republic.
Until some of these players are used as scapegoats, this attitude will continue.
“We can’t afford to ignore the little details that make a big difference in well-organized systems like those in Europe or other African countries.”
The former Nigeria Football Federation NFF, Presidential aspirant, urged the need to take drastic measures to ensure players behave well while on national duties.
“Players and the NFF need a code of conduct. How can the NFF address issues when they don’t do things right themselves?,” he queried.
“We need all players on the ground when preparing for important matches. It’s Wednesday, and you’re playing on Saturday!
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“This never happens in England, France, Morocco, or Senegal. Only in Nigerian football do we cover up everything and still complain about the results.
“They must provide valid reasons for their late arrival at camp,” he concluded.
