Nigeria’s major telecommunication company, MTN, played a significant role in the smooth and seamless journey of Super Eagles by sea to Benin republic for their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier.
The chairman of Nigeria’s football federation, Amaju pinnick, had said with aplomb that the decision to have the team traveled by sea was spurred by the need to expose them to the cultural riches of the country, social cohabitation in Lagos state and the beautiful sceneries nature imbue the state with.
But observers and commentators have debunked Pinnick claims with many saying he’s being clever by half and not telling the truth as to why the super eagles were shuttled to the neighbouring west Africa by sea instead of going by road.
Observers said real reason the Super Eagles were ferried through the sea to Cotonou was to avoid the unpleasantness, harrowing experience and decrepit of the Lagos – Badagry Expressway.
The Lagos – Badagry Expressway was constructed in 1976. it extends from Iganmu to arguably Nigeria’s most lucrative land border in Seme, just outside Badagry, and it links Nigeria to other west African countries.
In its 45 years of existence the road has seen no major upgrade and very minimal maintenance and has now become a collection of craters, epicenter of open-air defecation and most horrific vehicular traffic any where in the world.
The entire corridor has become a recurring nightmare and a perennial torture to residents of the area and other road users, One can only imagine how the players many of who grew up in Europe and elsewhere with magnificent infrastructure would think if made to travel through it to Cotonou.
However, new information has come to the fore which indicated that so much went down behind the scenes to ensure that the trip was without hiccups and encumbrance.
One of such deals was the purchase life insurance policy was bought by MTN.
The telecommunications giant provided two boats and seven crew members for the three-time African champions to embark on the national engagement.
The Gernot Rohr-led team departed via the Five Cowries Terminal, Falomo, which was built by the telecommunications company for the Lagos State Water Authority (LASWA).
“MTN supported the Nigerian National Team, the ‘Super Eagles’ with two boats and seven crew members to Benin Republic,” TheCable quoted NFF insider to have said .
The source asserted that MTN had to take out comprehensive life insurance in the event of any eventuality.
“MTN even took out a comprehensive life insurance policy on all of them to cover both going and coming.”
The Super Eagles on Saturday pipped the Squirrels of Benin Republic 1-0 to end their eight-year unbeaten home run at the Stade Charles De Gaulle.
Paul Onuachu came in as a substitute to secure the three points for Nigeria with a powerful header in injury time.
After losing to the Super Eagles, the Squirrels will need at least a draw in Freetown on Tuesday to book their place in the AFCON tournament proper in Cameroon.
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