A former Secretary General of the Nigeria Football Association, Sani Ahmed Toro has expressed reservations over the decision by the Nigeria Football Federation to go to Egypt for the return leg of the 2017 Afcon qualifier between the Eagles and the Pharaohs on an Egypt Air flight.
Reacting to newspaper reports on the travelling arrangements put together for the return match credited to the NFF President, Amaju Pinnick, Toro said the football house should reconsider chattered flight for the return leg.
“It is imperative for the NFF, in conjunction with the Sports Minister to reconsider this position in the interest of Nigeria and millions of soccer-loving Nigerians so that we do not gamble with our chances of qualifying for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.”
Toro observed that it would be suicidal for the Nigerian contingent to go to Egypt in batches given the hostile nature of Egyptian fans and the security situation in that country.
“I say no to Egypt Air. A chattered flight that can accommodate the team, officials and the supporters would be best for our national interest.”
The former NFA scribe posited that the Egyptians who do not disguise their passion for their national team and sense of patriotism would employ every imaginable trick to ensure whatever gains the Eagles can attain in Kaduna were cancelled in the return leg.
He acknowledged that although the NFF said it would save money if it travels on a commercial flight, he insisted, “I can never be uncomfortable with that arrangement because it is fraught with danger and potentially unprofitable.” Vanguard
