Former Super Eagles midfielder, Garba Lawal, has expressed sadness over the attitude of the Under-23 Eagles, as they prepare for their quarterfinal clash against Denmark later today in Brazil.

The team, Africa’s only survival in the football event, qualified as Group B winner, was said to have refused to train on Thursday in protest over alleged non-payment of balance of their allowances.

Speaking with The Guardian yesterday, Lawal said he was surprised that the team could put up that kind of approach when they have the unique opportunity to make name for themselves and knowing the situation in the country before their departure.

“As a player that is already in a championship, what is expected of you is to put up a good performance and try to build up your CV,” he said. “The tournament is for their good. You cannot boycott training just because you were not paid allowances. That is where they got it all wrong. But why did they not consider this before leaving the country? I don’t understand how players reason these days. This country is bigger than anyone.”

Speaking further, Lawal said: “For instance if they end up winning the gold medal, who will take the glory? At least if they are able to achieve success in Brazil I believe the whole country will fight on their behalf. But if they fail, they will only have themselves to blame and the shame definitely will be upon them not Nigeria.”

The former Roda FC of Holland, who wondered why protest has now become a norm each time payment of allowances are being delayed, added: “I do not know how they think these days. Even the national U-17 team too complained of money. It happened in this country when they threatened they were not going to play except money was made available. The last time, it was the U-20 team and now it is the U-23 Eagles. But these are matters that should be handled within and not for public consumption.”