Swedish journalist and expert in physically challenged soccer, Stefan Lovgren has denied reports making the rounds that members of Nigeria’s Special Eagles suffered accommodation problems during their campaign at the Amputee Football World Cup in Mexico.
In contrast with reports in a sector of the Nigerian media that the players, coaches and officials were virtually left to fend for themselves on the streets in Mexico, Lovgren insists they were all quite comfortable during their stay for the competition.
Lovgren, who spots247.ng learnt took interest in the Amputee Eagles during his visit to Lagos for a documentary and visa fees for the team to play at the World Cup, declared that it was an adventure worth remembering for a long time to come.
Lovgren, who was also in Mexico to cheer the team and was at various points recognized as an official of the squad, also denied any neglect by Nigeria Amputee Football Federation, stressing that the team was not left to suffer in Mexico.
Lovgren expatiated, saying: “A strange story was sent to me about Nigerians suffering and dying of starvation. It was absolutely ludicrous.
“In Nigeria, there are lots of different agendas at play by people who have different ideas about what they want to get from certain events.
“It’s frustrating when we’ve worked very hard to make things happen and here we were staying in the same hotel with the El Salvador team, Italy and Haiti hearing all sorts of stories.
“We were on a street in San Juan de los Lagos, where there’s a lot of hotels. We were all treated the same way; accommodation was free and we were well fed; we ate together.
“So, it’s frustrating to see these messages from people who have no idea what the reality is. The reality is that it’s a fabulous and great experience being at the World Cup for the first time.”
