While millions of Nigerians have been in grief mode since the Super Eagles' 2-2 draw with Tunisia put the nation's chances of qualifying for the South Africa 2010 World Cup in jeopardy, the players went partying all night on Monday, painting the city of Abuja red.Party like you don't careShortly after they were rescued from irate fans who threatened to deal with them at the National Stadium, Abuja, and then at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, where they stayed, the players shook off the experience and put on their dancing shoes.While some went to the nightclub at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, others went to Tukano, a members-only nightclub located in the Asokoro area of Abuja, where members pay about half a million naira annually. The players were allowed into the club on personal recognition.However, the team's captain, Nwankwo Kanu, and other players including Vincent Enyeama, Joseph Yobo and Seyi Olofinjana stayed home.Mo' money, mo' problemsAlso, contrary to what the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) told the media, the players were not paid a $10,000 bonus after the 2-2 draw with Tunisia; instead, they got the money before the match. NFF officials say this was so because they wanted the players to be highly motivated.Some good that did us, as motivation was far from the pitch on Sunday. If anything, the Eagles played like nothing was at stake.The reason the NFF had to hire private buses to take players and officials from their hotels to the stadium has also been revealed.According to NFF sources, the players have been using ‘Ekene Dili Chukwu' luxurious buses all through their stay in Abuja because the two Marcopolo buses the NFF bought in the run up to this match packed up only days after purchase. Both buses were reportedly supplied by a friend to top officials of the federation.Efforts to confirm these stories yesterday were unsuccessful. The federation's secretary, Bolaji Ojo-Oba's phone rang severally, but he did not pick up, same as its image maker, Ademola Olajire. They also did not reply text messages.Together, foreverIn related news, the NFF's president, Sanni Lulu, has vowed to swim or sink with embattled Eagles' coach, Shaibu Amodu.Nigerians have called for the sack of Amodu; but, speaking at a seminar for referees in Abuja yesterday, Lulu said all hope of the Eagles qualifying for the 2010 World Cup is not lost, and that Amodu will not be sacked.Lulu also said he has no plan to seek re-election, as he is only concerned with the Eagles' qualification and the development of Nigerian football.Lulu and other officials of the NFF, and its supervising body, the National Sports Commission, will be at the Federal Executive Council meeting in Abuja today to explain the Eagles' sloppy performance on Sunday and how the team can still qualify for the World Cup.Also, the technical committee of the NFF will meet today to review Amodu's match report.Tunisia currently tops the group with eight points; Nigeria has six. Both have games, home and away, against Kenya and Mozambique. While Nigeria will host Mozambique and play Kenya away, the Tunisians are away with Mozambique and will host Kenya.
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