NFF kicks as Mohammed disappears from U-23 camp

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has expressed shock over reports of the disappearance of national Under-20 team captain, Musa Mohammed, from the camp of the U-23 team, which is preparing for this weekend’s 2015 All Africa Games qualifier against Zambia.

Mohammed was drafted to the Under-23 team by Coach Samson Siasia to help shore up the team’s defence ahead of the second leg of the qualifier against Zambia in Lusaka.

Zambia held Nigeria to a goalless draw in the first leg in Abuja and the winner of the return leg this weekend qualifies for the Congo 2015 All Africa Games.

The Guardian gathered that Musa, who reported to the U-23 camp early last week, left the camp without the knowledge of the team officials, with unconfirmed reports saying he has travelled to Germany to seal a deal with a Bundesliga club.

Reacting to his disappearance, NFF’s General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi, said, “it will be an understatement for me to say the Federation is disappointed by the behaviour of Musa Muhammed. This is someone who should be a role model for the Nigerian youth.

“He is very good at what he does and we love him for that. But discipline is essential in any vocation and the NFF will no longer condone indiscipline on the part of any player or coach of any of the National Teams.”

He warned that the NFF would not hesitate to severely sanction both Muhammed and anyone found to have aided his unwholesome conduct.

“The player had been drafted to the U-23 team because the coach believes he has something to contribute to bring glory to the nation. Whoever is found to be culpable in this shameful act will be punished,” he threatened.

Mohammed was not part of the 18 –man list released by Coach Samson Siasia for the trip to Zambia, where the Dream Team will on Sunday seek to win a spot at the Men’s Football Tournament of the 11th All-Africa Games.