Abound were reports in the media on Monday that Akwa United has fired its veteran striker, Mfon Udoh who was also the team’s captain.
The dismissal was reportedly the aftermath of the protest staged by Udoh with co-players in Algeria following their objection to playing against CR Belouzidad until they were paid their travelling allowance.
Udoh alongside one other player of the club became fall-guys for the protest staged by no less than 18 players.
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An anonymous player of Akwa United had said that the team was never ready to play continentally on the excuse of being peniless.
The source told ckdmedia.ng:“Akwa United was never ready to play in continental with no money syndrome.”
“As I speak, they are still owing us 19 match bonuses of last season.”
“The truth must be told, over 18 players protested for estacode for the trip and bonuses but two players became scapegoats. It’s a pity.”
“The team keep saying no money, I don’t blame Elder Paul Bassey, sometimes he uses his personal fund to keep us going but we are pushed to the wall.”
“We all have families. Most of us are breadwinners and some people are collecting our money from the government, but the money doesn’t get to us.”
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The anonymous player added: “As I speak, we don’t even know when they will host us for the first time in the history of the club that we won the NPFL trophy. No date is fixed to host and celebrate the team for the massive accomplishment.”
“Only GOD can help the team this season. We did all we could last season, thinking that we will get houses or good cars each, for our (players) efforts put in to win the league but what do we get? They want to start this season with accumulated debt again.”
To the contrary, The amazed 29 year old Udoh has debunked the reports in the media, saying it was just a rumour.
Udoh who currently holds the record for highest number of goals scored in the Nigerian Premier Football League in a single season has disclosed that he was not sacked but didn’t extend his deal with the team after expiration.
He even corroborated his statement by sharing online, the clearance certificate the club had issued to him.
The first player to score over 35 goals in two consecutive seasons in Nigeria has therefore, disclosed that he had willingly chose to leave the club but never dismissed.
Former Enyimba man justifying his position said after a deal’s expiration, the player is free and the club may choose to extend the loan, sign the player permanently or let the player leave.
Mfon Udoh via an exclusive interview on Monday debunked the report in the media;
“I am surprised to see this report. My loan contract with Akwa United has expired. I do not know where the report that I was sacked for being a part of a protest is coming from without any verification just to label me black.”
