Former Super Eagles player Chigozie Udoji has revealed that his footballing career witnessed a downturn after he refused to yield to the monetary demands of national coaches which cost him a place in the team.
The 33-year-old striker, who said he declined an offer to sign a contract which would have seen him dole out 20 per cent of his earnings to team officials, went on to express regret with how the situation turned out, citing that his career may have been better off had he accepted the demand.
Speaking as a guest on Brila FM’s ‘No Hold’s Barred’ with Ifeanyi Udeze, the Enosis Neon Paralimni forward said: “If I had given what was asked perhaps I would be elsewhere today. They wanted me to sign a contract,”.
“Maybe I made mistakes or not but I feel it’s all God’s plan. Maybe it’s because I didn’t give the things I was asked,” Udoji said.
“Nigeria is a country of give and take, that’s the culture. If I had given what was asked perhaps I would be elsewhere today.
“They wanted me to sign a contract. I was asked to sign a Contract where they’ll (the National team Coaches) be entitled to 20% of my earning for the rest of my career.
“But as a kid from Ajegunle I just wanted to play football and had my ambitions, so I refused and I was snubbed.
Udoji said he was confident to ask for a chance to play for Nigeria because he had the quality and was good enough, but the coaches made demands that he couldn’t accept and thus was never given that invitation.
“I was interviewed about playing for Nigeria and if I felt like I deserved a place I responded in the affirmative and I stand by it till today.”
