Former Super Eagles midfielder Friday Ekpo has backed calls for Nigeria to withdraw from the proposed invitational tournament in Jordan, citing security concerns in the region.
Ekpo believes the Nigeria Football Federation should prioritise the safety of the Nigeria national football team players and officials, especially considering the current tensions affecting parts of the Middle East.
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“It does not make sense to play football in a place dealing with conflict and mourning,” Ekpo said.
The former international explained that the atmosphere surrounding such conditions would not be suitable for a football tournament, noting that the usual excitement and fan engagement associated with international matches would likely be absent.
“Fans will not come out to watch football in such an environment,” he added.
Ekpo warned that staging games under those circumstances could expose players to unnecessary risks and distractions, which could ultimately affect both their safety and performance.
“Participating under such conditions will only put players at risk,” he noted.
He stressed that football should be played in a safe and stable environment where players can focus entirely on the game rather than worrying about security issues.
“The environment must be safe and conducive for football,” he explained.
Ekpo also advised the federation to carefully assess the situation before committing the national team to travel for the tournament.
“Nigeria should stay away until the situation improves,” he stated.
While acknowledging the importance of international friendlies for team development, the former midfielder insisted that safety considerations must always come first.
“Football should never come before the safety of the players,” Ekpo concluded.
