Taye Taiwo Photo: Sun News Publishing

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These are indeed trying times for Super Eagles’ players, as one sad event after the other keeps rearing its ugly head. First, it was Emmanuel Okoduwa, who was robbed at gunpoint while returning from the international airport in Lagos after missing his flight and again, Joseph Yobo’s elder brother’s (Norum) kidnap in Port Harcourt over the weekend.

As if these were not enough, Olympique Marseilles’ left back, Taye Taiwo too had his terrible share of the unsavoury scenario as his house was burgled while on international duty for Nigeria in the Super Eagles’ Abuja camp.

Narrating his ordeal on Star 101.5 FM on Tuesday, the ‘Tornado’ expressed sadness at the development and called on relevant authorities to make Nigeria safe, not only for the players, but also for everybody in the land.

"It’s so sad that while I was giving the country my everything some hoodlums broke into my house and made away with some valuables and cash. I lost a television set, canvasses and snickers, clothes and others to the wicked people,” Taiwo said. The fact that I was in camp for weeks, either preparing or playing a game for Nigeria and my house was being burgled makes me sick. All we are doing for the country should be appreciated not only by the Nigeria Football Association (NFA), but also by every Nigerian because we lay down our lives anytime we play for the nation."

Taye was also thrown overboard with the kidnap of Joseph Yobo’s brother.
"This is not too good for the country, especially the players who serve the country. Imagine that Joseph Yobo’s brother too was kidnapped. This is very bad for the image of our country. How would the guy concentrate on his career now that this has happened?" he queried.

The power-packed defender wanted for £9million by Premiership side, Tottenham Hotspur, has, however, put the ugly incident behind him and is looking forward to his club’s pre- season training ahead of next football calendar in France, and he has promised to do better next season.
"I am trying to put the madness behind and surge forward in my career. It was just a useless distraction meant to get me out of focus from facing the challenges ahead the Olympic Games and my club duty," he said.