AFCON 2025: Eagles must be patriotic, selfless to excel, Gara-Gombe says
Patriotism
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 8, 2026 (NAN) Ahmed Gara-Gombe, Former Chairman of Gombe Football Association, has urged the Super Eagles to embrace patriotism, discipline and professionalism ahead of their crucial quarter-final match against Algeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gara-Gombe’s remarks followed reports on Wednesday suggesting that the players threatened to boycott training and refused to travel to Marrakech, Morocco, for their Saturday’s match against Algeria.
NAN also reports that the planned boycott stemmed from the failure of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to pay players their bonuses and outstanding allowances at the ongoing AFCON.
Gara-Gombe, condemned the planned training boycotts by some of the players, saying that the players must desist from selfish conduct and actions capable of embarrassing the country if they must excel at the ongoing AFCON.
He described the players action as unpatriotic, noting that representing Nigeria should come with sacrifice, discipline and respect for national pride.
“It is painful that some players choose to embarrass Nigeria whenever they get the opportunity to wear the national colours,” Gara-Gombe said.
According to him, players should prioritise national honour over personal gains, especially when the country’s image is under global media scrutiny.
“These players earn huge sums of money abroad. How much is the bonus they are quarrelling over compared to their monthly salaries in Europe?” he queried.
Gara-Gombe noted that other African stars play for their countries without placing financial conditions on participation.
He recalled that before the tournament, the Super Eagles had ample time to raise concerns about bonuses but failed to do so.
The former chairman warned that protests at such a critical stage could affect team focus and performance against Algeria.
“Moroccan players only need the national team shirt. They value national pride more than allowances,” he said.
“There was almost two months between the Tanzania match and this tournament. Why wait until camp to disrupt preparations?” he asked.
“This is a decisive match. Instead of full concentration, some players are creating unnecessary distractions,” he said.
Gara-Gombe questioned the leadership within the team, saying captains must guide players away from actions that could damage national interest.
“Leadership is about calming tensions, not encouraging protests that ridicule the country,” he added.
He who urged the players to focus on winning, warned that poor results would attract public backlash.
“Legitimate demands must be made through proper channels and at appropriate times, as what is legitimate can become wrong if it is pursued wrongly.
“If they boycott and lose, Nigerians will not forgive them. Victory is the only acceptable response now.
“They are sending a wrong message to the younger players who dream of serving Nigeria,” Gara-Gombe said.
He, however, called on the NFF to henceforth pay greater attention to the domestic league and incorporate most of its players for international competitions.
“Nigeria has capable talents at home. and can field players from the local league who are hungry and patriotic for competitive games.
“Many AFCON teams including Morocco, Egypt and South Africa, feature several home-based players,” he said.
Gara-Gombe described the situation as unfortunate and unacceptable warning that lack of discipline could hurt players after retirement.
“I urge football authorities to address indiscipline firmly.
“Without discipline, some may end up regretting their careers when football is over.
“This nonsense must stop; national interest must always come first,” Gara-Gombe said.
It would be recalled that the Super Eagles won all the matches they have played so far, scoring 12 goals en route to the quarter-finals.
Nigeria will face Algeria’s Desert Foxes for a semi-final spot and are expected to depart Fès for Marrakech on Thursday, ahead of the blockbuster encounter at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday by 5 p.m. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
VO/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne