Togo legend Emmanuel Adebayor has revealed he is being stopped from getting closer to his country’s national team.
The former Real Madrid and Arsenal star feels the mismanagement of the Sparrowhawks is leading to them missing out on major tournaments, recently not qualifying for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), and failing to make the 2022 World Cup qualifying African playoffs.
While complaining of not being listened to, Adebayor sent messages to the country’s sports minister and officials of the Togolese Football Federation in a live Facebook stream on Wednesday, February 15.
He said he would like to have the same impact other legends have on their national teams, notably citing El Hadj Diouf and Jay-Jay Okocha who are very popular within their federations.
“There is no one to find the right words to motivate players like me, which is what I have been able to do throughout my career. I was the youngest captain in the history of this country and I led my big brothers,” the 85-capped Togo striker said.
“I told them what to do: when to prepare for the match, when to eat before the match, what time to leave for the stadium… no one left and you want to qualify? I go into the locker room, they tell me not to go. I want to support my team, I’m told not to. While you have not invested in Togolese football more than me.”
By Adamu Benin Abdul Karim | www.sportyafrica.com
