By Gabriel Princewill-
John Fashanu, (pictured)the former English footballer who moved to Nigeria many years ago, has made shocking claims against the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), alleging that they sought a bribe from him in exchange for an appointment as coach of the Nigerian national football team for the World Cup.
Fashanu, known for being outspoken, revealed the purported extortion attempt to The Eye Of Media.Com, in what could potentially spark controversy within the Nigerian football community, if they catch wind of this news.
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In his startling revelation, Fashanu asserted that representatives of the NFF approached him with a demand for payment in return for the coaching position.
The former footballer, who has previously expressed his desire to contribute to Nigerian football, expressed dismay at the alleged corruption within the federation, emphasizing that he is a man does not engage in such practices.
Fashanu said payment for favours in Nigeria is endemic in the system and not viewed as corruption by a lot of people.
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The revelation came as the former England Ace criticised football bosses for initially seeking a coach abroad and ignoring the wealth of talent in the country.
The Nigerian Federation eventually performed a U turn and decided to seek a coach in the country.
Fashanu told this publication: ‘I was asked to put down a lot of money if I wanted to coach the Super Eagles, but one can’t be paying sums of money for a Head Coach position.
‘Next I heard they wanted to hire a foreign coach.
‘ I just could not understand why they would want to go abroad and look for other coaches when we have talented and experienced former players in Nigeria.
‘The likes of JJ Okacha wasn’t even mentioned, but they want to go overseas to seek out a coach.
“I was told people were saying John is stingy, he doesn’t put money down. They obviously realise I don’t pay for positions, I think I have earned the right to selected on the wealth of experience and expertise I bring to any venture’.
The Nigerian Football Federation eventually chose Fini George for the post
A representative of the Football Federation told The Eye Of Media.Com: ‘People say a lot of things when they don’t get what they want.
For Fini George that got the job now, who will he give money to become The Head Coach? It is absolutely not possible. st people say al lot of things when they don’t get what they want.
Fini has been given the opportunity to pick his assistants, and I don’t known whether he would want to work with John’
I don’t know how somebody will be bribed for the position of a coach and questions won’t be asked about how they got the post.
‘The Nigerian coach will have to have coaching experience, and there were a set of criteria for choosing the coach of the Nigerian team.
‘I don’t know whether Fini George wants to work with John, that is a matter for the new coach to decide”.
Fashanu who is a big name and highly esteemed in his native country where he now resides, runs an academy in Sun City, Abuja, where he has the second largest estate in the capital.
He rakes in an estimated £50,000 a month from the running of the academy , and is also involved in several business engagements in and out the country.
His assertion sheds light on the broader issue of integrity and transparency within football governance, particularly in the context of international appointments and team management.
Despite the official denials from the Nigerian Football Federation, it is inconceivable for each official of the federation to be able to definitively vow for every other member.
The allegations made by Fashanu have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Nigerian Football Federation, raising questions about the transparency of their recruitment processes and the potential prevalence of corrupt practices within the organization.
However, it is worth noting that the allegation cannot be independently corroborated, though analysts deem it improbable for the former England Ace to have entirely made up the allegation.
The timing of Fashanu’s claims, coming amidst preparations for the upcoming World Cup, adds further significance to the controversy, amplifying calls for accountability and reform within the NFF.
The gravity of the accusations will prompt calls for an independent investigation into the matter, with stakeholders and football enthusiasts urging authorities to uphold the principles of fairness and accountability in football governance.
Corruption is endemic in West Africa’s most populous country; a customary practise for many of its indigenous people struggling with the high cost of living exacerbated by its weak currency.
Fashanu appears to be involved in several projects both in Nigeria and abroad, and still has aspirations to stretch them further.
He has been made Head Of Security in Abuja is raking in cash from myriad investments and a football academy he runs for aspiring footballers where he earns £50,000 monthly.
Once a household name in the UK, Fash hosted television shows like Gladiators in the 90’s where he was a big hit with viewers.
Some observers thought Fashanu’s wealth of footballing experience and international clout would made him a worthy candidate for the post.
He would be happy to work as a special adviser to newly appointed Head Coach, Finidi George in helping produce the next generation of stars.
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