Vanguard (Lagos)

Nigeria/Tunisia: Outrage Greets Eagles Sex Scandal in Tunisia

Chief Coach Christian Chukwu was stunned while FA Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, stood akimbo as the ugly news of the sex scandal of three Super Eagles Celestine Babayaro, Victor Agali and Yakubu Ayegbeni took the centre stage over their all important second match against South Africa's Bafana Bafana Friday. The three players, professionals broke camp rules by lodging girls in the third floor of their fourth floor at the Kuriat Palace Hotel. These are the reactions of notable football personalities who were shell-shocked over the sordid act of the Eagles.

Galadima: It is a shame. It is the worst act of indiscipline. It is unpatriotic and we cannot condone it. We, board members of the Nigeria Football Association met and agreed that we have to decamp them. We don't want them to polute the other players. You 'll agree with me that they cannot continue to be part of the team because they betrayed the camp rules and team spirit of a side that need to salvage their image after their 1-0 loss to Morocco in their opening match of the Nations Cup. I'm in shock"

Christian Chukwu: I have never slept since the night. I am shocked. This is dangerous and it is the greatest act of indiscpline in the team. If you remember, I told them that they can only bring their wives to camp if they qualify for the final. There was strict discipline in camp while we were in Faro, Portugal. These three players were not part of the camp and came late when we were rounding up. All other players are remorseful over the loss in the first match and this is the only way these ones have to show their patriotism. I am sad, shocked, and (he stammers, showing sign of pain). I don't know what to say. The only thing is that we have to go ahead.

Alhaji Sani Ahmed Toro: former NFA Scribe. Are you sure it is the truth? Haba! Why now? This is a slap to Nigerians. Kai! These boys are not patriotic. It is a shame.

Dr Rafiu Ladipo (President of Supporters Club) I'm proud of the decision of the FA to decamp those useless players. Does it mean that they cannot hold their things for three weeks? The government should even punish them for bringing shame to the country. The only thing is that they cannot draw us back. It is a challenge to the other players to rise against this shame. We must march ahead and give them total support to win. But, Tony, na waa for those players. Another supporter source regretted that while they fast for them, the players go on painting Tunisia red. God go punish them. Lawal, Ekwueme replace randy players.

BAFANA BAFANA. The coach said that he would introduce Ifeanyi Ekwueme and Garba Lawal to take over the position of Babayaro and Agali. The case of Yakubu Ayegbeni was even worse as he was a shadow of himself during the match against Morocco and many Nigerians are saying that the girls may have sapped their stamina before the first match.

Aiyegbeni's club says it is shame to him

Portsmouth, Aiyegbeni's club, have expressed shock and surprise over the involvement of their player in the scandal in Eagles camp. Manager Harry Redknapp speaking to Skysports said it was a real shock. "He is the last lad you would expect anything like this from; as he is really quiet and easy going. Obviously it will be good for us, but is a real shame for him".


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