DISAPPOINTED NIGERIANS BOYCOTT GAMES

Francis Onyebuchim Nwaigwe, a lecturer at the University of St Thomas of Mozambique told this reporter that he was still at a loss as to why Nigeria was not represented in the soccer events of the games. In his words, 'we are very very disappointed because it is unthinkable not to find our teams here.'

Nwaigwe who had come to the venue of the women basketball match between Nigeria and Angola, Saturday nigh said the immediate opportunity open to Nigeriato redeem her image was for her teams to qualify for the London 12 Olympics. 'We must wake up as other nations are not sleeping over the dominance of Nigerian football teams in the continent. Our teams must work hard to qualify for the Olympics. If we fail again, then we are finished.'

On the street of Maputo, this reporter met a group of about four Nigerians discussing among themselves. They soon confirmed the reporter's curiosity when they he heard their English which was clearly Nigerian pidgin. He walked towards them and greeted, 'Good evening guys.'

Their response was unmistakable. 'Goodevening. Are you Nigerian?' they asked. I responded in affirmation, and the same topic on Nigeria's non-representation in the football event ensued. 'Why winna they do like this? Why is there no football team from Nigeria at this games?' asked one of them, who identified himself as Ike. ' We won't come to the stadium because there is no football.