Turmoil could be rising in the Nigerian soccer team's camp.
Reports have surfaced about an unnamed coach bullying his players and forcing them to pay for watches at exorbitant rates.
"The coach buys the wristwatches between $500 and $1000 in Europe and forces us to buy them for $10,000. If you don't buy, you are regarded as an enemy," said an unnamed player, according to Sport Live. "The most painful thing is that these wristwatches are sold at very cheap prices in Europe; they go for between $500 and $1000 but he brings them here to sell for us at such outrageous prices. I have to buy or I would be seen as encouraging the other players not to buy."
The report notes that another player came forward with similar complaints.
"Before I moved to my present club, I was on an apprentice contract, which means I wasn't collecting much money but the coach forced me to buy the watch," said another anonymous player. "The same thing happened to me, when I was invited to the senior team. It is not good for the team because a lot of players are grumbling, though they can't come out and say it."
There has been no confirmation on the reports, but if they are true, they could potentially harm the African nation's chances of qualifying for the World Cup next summer. Nigeria currently sits atop Group F with nine points. However, second place Malawi trails them by two points and could eliminate Nigeria when the two teams meet on Sept. 7.
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