25th November, 2013
The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has warned dubious persons parading themselves as football agents to steer clear of the triumphant Golden Eaglets.
Following the success of the Nigerian team at the just concluded FIFA U-17 World Cup in United Arab Emirates, UAE, scores of agents have descended on members of the team to become their representatives in football deals but the NFF has stated that they are ready to protect the youngsters from falling into wrong hands.
“We are not going to allow any of the Eaglets to fall victim of dubious football deals like some of their predecessors because we are ready to protect them jealously,” Emeka Inyama, NFF’s Media and Publicity Committee chairman, said.
“We didn’t allow any agent to talk to them prior to the world cup in UAE and now that they are world champions we are still going to continue to monitor them to ensure they sign deals that would favour them.”
Meanwhile, father of Kelechi Iheanacho, the Most Valuable Player, MVP, at the world cup, James Iheanacho has said he has not given any person permission to represent his son in any contract talks.
“I have not given anybody permission to be my son’s agent in any contract because I have not seen him since the world cup,” he said.
As soon as I am able to have discussion with him I will let you be aware,” the senior Iheanacho was saying on Brila FM Lagos early today.
Iheanacho, 17, is wanted by several top clubs in Europe.
Portuguese champions FC Porto is believed to be in pole position to sign the player from Taye Academy in Owerri.
According to FIFA rules, minors are expected to sign professional contracts in company of either their parents or guardians so that agents don’t take undue advantage of them.
—Bamidele Olowosagba