OFFICIALS of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were jolted on Friday when members of the Super Eagles demanded to be relocated from their Campina Hotel Camp, which they described as a prison, to a more friendly base.
Speaking during a meeting with the NFF and some government officials, the players said that their Vitoria Campina Hotel base camp caged them in such a way that they felt like prisoners, rather than patriots in Brazil to defend their country’s honour.
A source, who was in the meeting, revealed that the players demanded to be housed in a hotel similar to that where the Black Stars of Ghana are camped.
The players at the meeting, including Osaze Odemwingie, John Obi Mikel and Vincent Enyeama, among others, the source revealed, also told the NFF that they would take nothing less than what the Black Stars received as appearance fee, adding that their first round match bonuses must be settled before their game against Argentina.
The Black Stars received $75, 000 each for being at the World Cup.
“Although the NFF officials were surprised at the demand for a change in camp base, they promised to look into the issues as quickly as possible,” the source, who pleaded anonymity, added.
He also revealed that the NFF “promised to pay the players 30 per cent of their appearance fee before the match against Iran on Monday,” to ensure that the team have no worries going into their opening group game.
Meanwhile, world football governing body, FIFA, has warned the NFF to ensure Nigerian players did not wear jerseys or other materials advertising Guinness stout or any other unauthorised brands near any of the match venues or hospitality centres.
The Guardian learnt that directive was to pacify some FIFA partners, who have been complaining that some countries’ federations have been flouting their industry exclusive rights at the ongoing World Cup.
The directive, however, does not bar the Eagles from using the endorsed materials in their hotels or during training sessions.
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