Match-fixing: Galadima, Onigbinde, Adepoju demand investigation
Prominent football stakeholders yesterday described the recent claim by a convicted Singaporean matchfixer that he assisted the country to qualify for the 2010 FIFA World Cup as disturbing, and called for a thorough investigation to unravel the truth of the matter.
Wilson Raj Pemural, a self-confessed matchfixer declared in a recent book publication that he “helped” the Super Eagles to get to South Africa.
A former Nigeria Football Association (NFA) Chairman, Ibrahim Galadima, urged the NFA to investigate the alleged match-fixing scandal.
Galadima said that such an investigation would help to ascertain the veracity of Pemural’s allegations.
“It’s a disturbing development at a time when the Super Eagles are doing well in the international scene.
“Although one can’t dismiss it, it is now a global issue and the people at the helm of affairs must find out the possibility, a thorough investigation must be carried out,” he said.
Also, a former Super Eagles coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, said that it would be sad if the allegations were found to be true.
Onigbinde added that the issue should be look into urgently by the appropriate bodies, noting that such a delicate matter could affect the team’s preparation for the upcoming World Cup in Brazil.
“If the allegations are true then it is an unfortunate news that Nigeria as a country is involved in this.
“We don’t need a thing like this at a period we are preparing for the World Cup, a mere speculation can distract the Super Eagles,” he said.
Mutiu Adepoju, an ex-international, in his reaction said that matchfixing was a serious offence that should be frowned at.
Adepoju added that an investigative panel should be set up to get to the root of the matter and punish whoever is found guilty. ( NAN)