Nigeria Star Makes Massive 2014 FIFA World Cup Bribe Claim, Daniel Amokachi Responds

A Nigerian striker, who represented his country at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, has made a shock bribe claim about the 2014 tournament in Brazil, and former Super Eagles assistant manager Daniel Amokachi has responded.

Former Hoffenheim and Schalke forward Chinedu Obasi wore the Super Eagles jersey at the World Cup in 2010, but missed out on his country's squad four years later.

The 33-year-old, who is currently without a club, has now alleged that he was asked to pay money if he wanted to be involved in Nigeria's squad in Brazil under the late Stephen Keshi's management.

"At the end of the season, I was given an invitation for the World Cup preparations for friendlies in South Africa.

"So, two days before the list came out, I was asked to pay some money if I wanted to be in the team."

Gourav Mukhi (India) – claimed to be 16 years old, but was 28 years old

Tobie Mimboe (Senegal) – caught age-cheating on numerous occasions

Carlos Alberto (Brazil) – claimed to be five years younger than he was

Fortune Chukwudi (Nigeria) – was overage when playing for Nigeria at the U17 FIFA World Cup in 2009

Angel Cheme (Ecuador) – claimed to be three years younger than he was, also lied about his real name

Seuntjie Motlhajwa (South Africa) – claimed to be two years younger than he actually was

Sibusiso Mzizi (South Africa) – used a fake passport to lie about his age by five years

Yusupha Yaffa (Gambia) – claimed to be 19 years old, but was alleged to be 28 years old

Guirane N’Daw (Senegal) – admitted to lying about his age after he retired

Meschack Elia (DR Congo) – admitted to lying about his age

Keshi's ex-assistant manager Amokachi has since responded to the claims, pointing out that Obasi has made an accusation when the boss is not alive to defend himself.

"Why come forward with such now when the man in charge is no longer alive to answer it?" he told the Cable.

"Even look at it, this happened in 2014 and six years after you are coming forward with such claims? Why wait until now? It doesn't make sense to bring such an issue when the head is no longer alive to respond to you?

"I am not saying such things don't happen. Up until tomorrow, this thing does happen in African football, but for us to have a change, when such happens, come forward with such. Be the sacrifice so as to prevent others from going through the experience.

"It is not about one person, it's a revolution, a change, that if we start, it will change a lot of things in our football.

"This issue of bribe-taking or collecting in our football is not a one-way thing. Agents of players will come and meet a coach to offer money for their players to be taken.

"It's a two-way thing. Sometimes, players are the ones that will even go to the coach to say, 'My agent said he will pay for me to be part of the team'.

"You will also see some administrators and coaches who have turned agents that will try to be influencing things from the side."

Obasi, 33, last played for his country in 2011, and is currently a free agent following his January exit from AIK in Sweden.

Related tags