Robbed Nigerians get refund
2006-02-09 09:56
Cairo - Nigerian players Wilson Oruma and Dele Aiyenugba whose money was stolen in their hotel rooms in Alexandria have got a refund from the country's football association ahead of Thursday's African Nations Cup third-place playoff against Senegal.
Oruma of Olympique Marseille lost $6 000 while goalkeeper Aiyenugba who features for local champions Enyimba was missing $2 500 hours after Nigeria lost by a lone goal in the semi-final match against Ivory Coast in Alexandria.
Sports minister Samaila Sambawa made the presentation to the players when he visited the team late on Wednesday at their hotel.
"I really appreciate the kind gesture of the officials," said Oruma, who stayed away from training after the theft.
Meanwhile, officials said Austin 'Jay Jay' Okocha will play a part in the Senegal game.
This is expected to be the 32-year-old midfielder's last game for his country as he has announced he will quit international football at the end of this Nations Cup.
Okocha made his debut against Ivory Coast in May, 1993. He won an Olympic winners' medal in 1996 and was also part of the Super Eagles team that won the 1994 Nations Cup in Tunisia.
He starred in three World Cup finals.