David Moyes questions Nigerian ages.

[Jimbo 175]

Everton manager David Moyes says that comments he made about Nigerian players have been misunderstood.

 

He questioned the true age of his striker Yakubu Ayegbeni and of Nigerian players in general.

 

The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has written to the English FA asking for Moyes to be sanctioned.

 

"What I said has been taken totally out of context. I have never before been accused of being a racist, that idea is totally abhorrent to me," said Moyes.

 

After Yakubu scored a hat-trick in Everton's Uefa Cup win over SK Brann on Thursday, Moyes told the Guardian newspaper:

 

"He's only 25, albeit a Nigerian 25, and so if that is his age he's still got a good few years ahead of him."

The comments caused outrage in Nigeria, but Moyes says he had no malicious intent.

 

"What I said was a light hearted quip after Yakubu had scored a memorable hat-trick against Bergen," he said.

 

"It was certainly a comment which neither upset nor offended the player himself.

 

"Does anyone seriously believe that I would have made Yakubu the most expensive player in Everton's history if I had any concerns about his age?

 

But NFA spokesman Ademola Olajire says the comments have embarrassed the country.

 

"His statement is insulting to the Nigerian nation and unbecoming of a Premier League manager," Olajire told BBC Sport.

 

"We don't take kindly to snide remarks about our players, or our nation and we have sent a strongly-worded complaint to the English FA.

 

"Seriously, we will go at any length to ensure he is brought to book to explain his comments."

[Stephen 0]

Whole lot of hassle over nothing tbh

[Happy Face 29]

He's a racialist and should be sacked.

[sniffer 0]

Outrage from Nigeria? That's a laugh coming from one of the most corrupt nations on earth.

 

As for Moyes comments, I wouldn't bet my house on the age of an athlete coming from a third world country. Especially when they look like they've been around the block a few more times than your average 25 year old.......or 29 year old in Martin's case.

[RlCO 0]

The only official FA response should be: "Are you having a fucking laugh?".

[sh0ttie 0]

yes you are being a racialist now if i can have your account number and sort code

[Bombadil 0]

I thought Moyes' comment was funny. He's probably right too. How old is Martins supposed to be, 22? No way.

[Chaser 1321]

Aye no way is Martins only 22. Same goes for the Yak really. Hardest paper round on Earth apparently in Nigeria.

[RlCO 0]

 

"Hallo? Mr Moyes. Aaah have some plaayers for yooo"

[luckyluke 2]

Remember when Martins signed for us he said that him and Yakubu had a bet between them on who would score the most? Think there's only one winner there....

[RlCO 0]

Remember when Martins signed for us he said that him and Yakubu had a bet between them on who would score the most? Think there's only one winner there....

 

He was using 'score' in the Nigerian usage, as in: who can rob the most money without deserving it. Martins is winning hands down so far.