Adebayor rubbishes claims that he’s Nigerian

Ibrahima Sory Bangoura of Guinea challenged by Zakari Victorien Adje Adebayor of Niger during the 2016 CHAN Rwanda, match between Niger and Guinea at the Stade de Kigali in Kigali, Rwanda on 22 January 2016 ©Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Jan 26, 2016. 15:58

Speaking ahead of their final 2016 African Championships, Group C clash against Tunisia, Niger Republic striker Zakary Adebayor has rubbished reports that he’s a Nigerian.

Speaking to Complete Sports and quoted by Naiji.com, Adebayor revealed that he was not born in Nigeria and urged the media to stop reporting on the matter.

The report suggests that the rumours were spread in some quarters that Adebayor’s grandparents were Nigerians, but migrated to the neighbouring country to seek greener pastures in the 70s.

“I am from Niger Republic and people should stop this controversy of linking me with Nigeria,” he striker said.

NIGER, TUNISIA BATTLE FOR QUARTERFINAL BERTH

“Fine, I know Adebayor is a Nigerian name but I am from Niger Republic and I am happy to play for Mena.”

Speaking about their upcoming encounter against the Carthage Eagles on Tuesday, Adebayor adds that they can still qualify for the Chan quarter-finals.

“The Nigerian team is a good side and I think they can win the tournament,” adds the forward.

“But Niger can still qualify from the group if we can beat Tunisia, which I think is not impossible to achieve if we work very hard.”

Menas suffered a 4-1 defeat against Sunday Oliseh’s Super Eagles before drawing 2-2 against Guinea, they desperately need a win to boost their chances of making it to the next round.