By Akeem Busari

President, National Association of Nigeria Professional Footballers, NANPF, Tijani Babangida has accused the Nigeria Football Federation of refusing to release the FIFA and CAF Covid-19 relief Fund to the clubs and players months after making promises to do so.

The former Nigeria international and Ajax Amsterdam star winger, charged Nigeria the federation to ameliorate the pains and sufferings of Nigerian footballers by releasing the FIFA funds meant as palliatives.

Speaking with journalists, Babangida who is also the President of Nigeria players’ union was visibly angry that since the NFF announced to the public that it had received half of the palliative funds, the football body has not made any move to give the money to the players who the monies were dedicated.

“I am not happy with the present situation concerning the refusal of the NFF to disburse the palliative funds to the players. I keep receiving calls and messages from distressed players old and young on their plights occasioned by the coronavirus pandemic.

“I want to advise that NFF react quickly to this request on the disbursement of the palliative to footballers. The monies should not be diverted to other means than the purpose FIFA meant it to serve” Babangida,” admonished