Following the suspension of all football related activities in Nigeria due to the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent losses being suffered by stakeholders in the sector, the chairman of Bauchi State Football Association, Patrick Pascal has said those who once clamoured for FIFA to ban Nigeria would now know that they were playing with fire.
It will be recalled that in the past, the world football governing body, FIFA had threatened to ban Nigeria due to the crisis that engulfed Nigerian football over leadership tussle between Amaju Pinnick and his rival, Chris Giwa.
On such occasions, some stakeholders urged the federal government to damn FIFA sanctions by interfering in the crisis, even if it meant Nigeria would be banned for as much as four years by the international organisation.
Speaking to Daily Trust yesterday, Pascal who is also the Coordinator of the Super Eagles said COVID-19 lockdown has opened the eyes of such Nigerians to see and understand what would have been the result of what they demanded for from FIFA.
He said in less than a month without football due to the deadly coronavirus, stakeholders have become tired of life without their passion as they have continued to count their losses.
“COVID-19 has opened our eyes to a lot of things. In the past, most Nigerians called on FIFA to ban Nigeria. Such people said, is it not only four years?. They should ban us.
“Now we have not done a full month without football but everybody is crying. People are tired of staying at home. Players are crying. Football administrators are lamenting. Everything has come to a standstill.
“FIFA didn’t ban Nigeria but COVID-19 has given us a slice of what FIFA ban would have cost many of us. I know they won’t repeat such mistake again.
“You see when you have something, you won’t value it. The freedom of movement that many people took for granted is now essential. When you are not sick, you will hardly appreciate good health,” said the former Super Eagles player.
Pascal also said considering the present danger, he has ensured that his state is complying fully with the directive by the Nigeria Football Federation suspending all football activities.
He expressed satisfaction with the level of compliance just as he commended the state Police command for supporting the Bauchi State FA in ensuring compliance.
“As a football association, we have ensured full compliance with the directive from the NFF. Our people are passionate about football but life is more important than any other thing.
“We are constantly monitoring the situation. Anyone who attempts to undermine the law will have the Nigerian Police to contend with,” he said.
