The Nigeria Football Federation says it has initiated moves to ensure
the unmasking of the self-acclaimed Nigerian who got on the train with
the Super Falcons in Vienna, Austria on Tuesday and made the players
uncomfortable with inflammatory political talks.
Team officials explained on Tuesday afternoon that the girls, who had
been in the Austrian capital since Thursday preparing for upcoming
international engagements, opted to have a view of the city after
their morning training, and decided on public transport to the city
centre.
The guy, whose claim to be a Nigerian was much doubtful from his
accent, launched into abuses against the girls for representing
Nigeria, and kept saying that no one could touch him because that
would amount to assault as he had not touched anyone.
His tirade did not unsettle the girls in any way as he was ignored
throughout, and the disciplined response infuriated him the more.
However, Nigeria’s FIFA Match Agent, Jairo Pachon told thenff.com that
the matter has been immediately reported to the Austrian Police and
the Embassy of Nigeria, and the fellow, who was bundled out of the
train at the next station, would be fished out.
“It is unfortunate. The girls were on the way to the city centre which
was just a few minutes from the hotel. They entered this train and the
guy got inside and started insulting them. He was bundled out at the
next station and we have reported the matter to the Embassy of Nigeria
and the Austrian Police. We have never had this kind of case with any
of our teams and lessons have been learnt and we will be guided
appropriately going forward.
“This incident will not in any way affect the team’s camping programme
and they will remain in Austria until Saturday, 24th July as
scheduled.”
President of the NFF and FIFA Council Member, Mr Amaju Melvin Pinnick
said the NFF will immediately report the matter to world football
–governing body, FIFA and would pursue the case to its logical
conclusion.
“We are infuriated because these are young ladies who are our
ambassadors and are there in Austria preparing for major international
competitions. That was a dastardly act by that fellow and we are not
taking it lightly. The girls simply wanted to go on sightseeing and
there is nothing wrong with that. They do not deserve to be subjected
to such diatribe by a so-called fellow Nigerian.
“We will unmask the fellow and then take it from there.”
