WORLD CUP FOCUS: Ex-Nigerian international Babayaro unhappy with Rohr's comments on Messi

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Tuesday Mar 20, 2018. 17:30

Ex-Nigerian international goalkeeper Emmanuel Babayaro has criticised quotes attributed to the coach of the senior national team of Nigeria, Gernot Rohr, and goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa.

The duo has been quoted saying they are not scared of Argentina’s Lionel Messi ahead of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

Reacting to their statements, Babayaro said the two should at least show respect to the Barcelona star, rather than play down his importance ahead of their clash at the World Cup.

“I read the quotes by Rohr and Ezenwa as well and I must say that was low coming from them," Babayaro told Owngoalnigeria.com.

"There is a level which a player like Messi is operating from that requires respect ahead of any potential meeting.

”To see our coach play down his importance to the Argentina course when both teams clash in Russia ‎can best be described as mind games, which I don’t expect Ezenwa to get involved in as a player.

“He has to show some respect to Messi.”