23 July 2015

NFF Blasts Claude Leroy

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has reacted with “shock and disappointment” to claims by Claude Leroy that Congo’s U23s were badly treated prior to Sunday’s Olympic qualifying game with Nigeria in Port Harcourt.

The veteran French trainer was upset with what he termed “poor treatment” to his team before his side fell 1-2 to the Dream Team VI at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

“Nigeria is a big country and I do not think it is necessary to make us wait for more than one hour at the Airport.


“We had to wait for an hour before the Bus arrived at the airport to take us to the hotel.

“The hotel was also not good enough and I don’t think Nigeria should show this kind of behaviour.

“I know that the Nigerian team will be well-treated in Pointe-Noire so we obviously did not deserve this kind of treatment,” a fuming Leroy said while responding to a question posed by supersport.com at the post match press-conference.

The Frenchman’s outburst did not go down well with the NFF with Executive committee member, Barrister Chris Green describing the comments as “untrue”.

“I must say that what Leroy said is untrue. I am receiving these declarations from such a highly-respected coach with shock and disappointment.

“I can tell you without mincing words that the Congolese were treated like Kings upon arriving in Nigeria.

“They were lodged at the five-star Hotel Presidential in Port Harcourt-the same hotel where the Nigerian team stayed without any complaints.

“Even Leroy was kept in a special Presidential suite at the hotel and their team was never delayed at the Airport,” Green said.

The second leg of the Olympic qualifying tie between Nigeria and Congo will hold on August 2 in Pointe-Noire.

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