This time it was an executive committee member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Sulaiman Kwande who accused national football team members of sabotage and conspiracy. He has claimed the players played a protest game against Iran to discredit the federation over World Cup appearance fee.
In a radio interview in Brazil, monitored in Abuja, he said, "These players were nonchalant, it's a conspiracy. They were very rude during their meeting with the Senate President (over their demand for an appearance fee for the World Cup). It was really, really sad."
Reacting to the allegation, the Director General of National Sports Commission, NSC, Gbenga Elegbeleye, said,
"I don't think it is sabotage, I don't think that a World Cup footballer will play to lose just to sabotage his country; if they do well it also enhances their career. The whole world is looking, it could earn them better deal in their clubs.
Other clubs may want their services if they play well. I believe that as professionals they will not do that. But I really don't know because I am not in Brazil. I don't know what is happening there but we have done our best for the team. We have fulfilled all our obligations."
Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi said that despite Nigeria's goalless draw with Iran on Monday, his team would still qualify for the second round of the on-going FIFA World Cup.