Former Super Eagles assistant coach, Joseph Erico has faulted the road trip choice for the Golden Eaglets to Niamey for the 11th African Under-17 championship in Niger Republic.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) decided to move the side on road to Niamey given the closeness of Sokoto where the reigning world champions are having their final phase preparations to the championship venue.
Erico said the road trip is undignifying and risky, especially in the wake of security challenges in the country and should be discarded forthwith.
“The security situation in the country is not right to put the kids out on the road to Niamey no matter the consideration for the choice.
“The rule outlaws such mode of transportation not only for international but internal competition where the distance is as great as 200km.
“As a father I can’t hand over my kid to undergo such a traumatising road trip even for service to fatherland.
“The 2010 Africa Cup of Nations gun attack on the Togolese national football team in the Angolan enclave of Cabinda is still quite fresh in the memories of the football community.
“Despite the rebel ambush attack, the 2010 AFCON championship still went on as scheduled with the loss of lives.
“I’m quite certain that none of the NFF or the House committee delegates will ever venture to go on road to the championship so why risk the lives of the youngsters.
“No reason will warrant the dehumanising choice of road movement to the championship for the nation’s campaigners.
“Eaglets and officials are going to represent the country and should be given befitting treatment,” said the former Nigerian shot stopper
Nigeria will open its title account on Sunday against the hosts, Niger Republic at the Stade General Seyni Kountche, Niamey, Niger before taking on other opponents, Guinea and Zambia.
The semifinalists will automatically qualify for the 2015 FIFA Under-17 World Cup in Chile
