Nigerian Football Federation Label Sidney Sam As 'Disrespectful'
https://nigeriaafrica1.blogspot.com/2013/05/nigerian-football-federation-label.html
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has labelled Sidney Sam "disrespectful" after the former Germany youth player denied ever wanting to play for them.
The midfielder was believed to be interested in switching his international allegiance from Germany to Nigeria, where his father was born.
But after being called up for Germany's friendlies against Ecuador and the United States, the Bayer Leverkusen player claimed he never intended to represent the Super Eagles.
However, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told reporters: "It's disappointing, disrespectful and not correct.
"If he's not interested, he's not interested and no-one is going to beg him to play for Nigeria.
"But to say he was never contacted is false and ridiculous. At the appropriate time we will give more details."
Sam, 25 has played for Germany only at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, making him still eligible to play for the African champions.
And Nigeria had retained hope they could persuade Sam to play for them despite his call-up to the Germany squad.
But ahead of Germany's friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday and and the US three days later, Sam told German sports agency SID: "The 2014 World Cup is still far away but for me it is only Germany that counts. We don't have to speak about Nigeria.
"I never really thought about Nigeria and I do not know who invented that.
"I always wanted to play for Germany and I know I was on the coach's list. It is a pity, I was often injured but now I am here and want to prove my strengths."
Sam's comments appear to have ended the NFF's pursuit of the player, which has been going on since last November.
But after being called up for Germany's friendlies against Ecuador and the United States, the Bayer Leverkusen player claimed he never intended to represent the Super Eagles.
However, NFF spokesman Ademola Olajire told reporters: "It's disappointing, disrespectful and not correct.
"If he's not interested, he's not interested and no-one is going to beg him to play for Nigeria.
"But to say he was never contacted is false and ridiculous. At the appropriate time we will give more details."
Sam, 25 has played for Germany only at Under-19, Under-20 and Under-21 level, making him still eligible to play for the African champions.
And Nigeria had retained hope they could persuade Sam to play for them despite his call-up to the Germany squad.
But ahead of Germany's friendly against Ecuador on Tuesday and and the US three days later, Sam told German sports agency SID: "The 2014 World Cup is still far away but for me it is only Germany that counts. We don't have to speak about Nigeria.
"I never really thought about Nigeria and I do not know who invented that.
"I always wanted to play for Germany and I know I was on the coach's list. It is a pity, I was often injured but now I am here and want to prove my strengths."
Sam's comments appear to have ended the NFF's pursuit of the player, which has been going on since last November.
