President George Weah of Liberia on Monday said Nigeria must guard against corrupt practices by team officials if the Super Eagles are to win honours at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.
Weah gave the advice while speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“The Nigerian players and those of other African countries representing the continent at the World Cup must not be subjected to stressful conditions.
“This can be done by making sure that their incentives were made available to motivate them,’’ he said.
“But I hope they will prepare very early because they are going to represent Africa and we will be there to watch them, for them to bring the trophy for the first time if it is possible.
“However, I think the seriousness in going to the World Cup is not just to pay players to go. I want every African government to know that if you win the World Cup it is a pride to Africa. It is not just to Nigeria or any other country.
“So, we must do everything to ensure that the players are not put under stress, to make sure they concentrate. We must ensure that their incentives are given to them to motivate them.
“Some of the things you see at the World Cup can be ridiculous. You will see an entire team go to represent a whole country and you will hear that one minister took the money.
“They did not pay these players and the next thing will be that they will say the players are causing problem.
“But when players are going to camp, it is to relax and focus. And for them to be in camp they must have everything there for them not to worry,’’ he added.
Weah, who lauded President Buhari for supporting the Super Eagles to qualify for Russia 2018, urged the Nigerian government to give the Super Eagles all the necessary support and assistance.
“This is in order to enable the team perform well in Russia,’’ he said.
On efforts to revive sports in Liberia, the Liberian leader revealed that the World Bank was supporting the country with five million dollars to boost sports activities.
