Former Tremendous Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has backed requires Nigeria to withdraw from the proposed invitational event in Jordan, citing safety issues within the area.
Ekpo believes the Nigeria Soccer Federation ought to prioritise the security of the Nigeria nationwide soccer staff gamers and officers, particularly contemplating the present tensions affecting components of the Center East.
“It doesn’t make sense to play soccer in a spot coping with battle and mourning,” Ekpo mentioned.
The previous worldwide defined that the ambiance surrounding such circumstances wouldn’t be appropriate for a soccer event, noting that the standard pleasure and fan engagement related to worldwide matches would probably be absent.
“Followers is not going to come out to look at soccer in such an setting,” he added.
Ekpo warned that staging video games underneath these circumstances might expose gamers to pointless dangers and distractions, which might in the end have an effect on each their security and efficiency.
“Collaborating underneath such circumstances will solely put gamers in danger,” he famous.
He burdened that soccer must be performed in a secure and secure setting the place gamers can focus fully on the sport slightly than worrying about safety points.
“The setting have to be secure and conducive for soccer,” he defined.
Ekpo additionally suggested the federation to rigorously assess the state of affairs earlier than committing the nationwide staff to journey for the event.
“Nigeria ought to keep away till the state of affairs improves,” he acknowledged.
Whereas acknowledging the significance of worldwide friendlies for staff growth, the previous midfielder insisted that security concerns should at all times come first.
“Soccer ought to by no means come earlier than the security of the gamers,” Ekpo concluded.
