The alleged absence of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF officials at the funeral of former international player, Isaac Promise has been eliciting negative reactions.
The body of Promise who captained the silver winning Nigeria U-23 side at the Beijing 2008 Olympics was laid to rest in Umudim, Ohekelem, Imo State, South-East Nigeria.
According to a statement in the media credited to a family member of the deceased, the bereaved decried the absence of Nigeria football community at the funeral.
The statement reads “We sent out the programme in December, but there was no representative from the football community.
“Imagine a former captain of Nigeria and there were no NFF representatives among the audience, and not even a former teammate.
“This is another lesson for footballers, you are only important when you are actively involved in the game because no one cares after your career is over.”
Reacting to the development, President Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick in a chat with AIT Sports denied the incident. He said that the Imo state football association was directed to represent the federation.
Promise made his debut with the Super Eagles in 2009, he scored one goal in his three appearances with the senior national team.
He died of a suspected heart attack in early October in the United States where he resided.
Until his death, Promise was on the payroll of Austin Bold, a second tier team in the U.S.
