The Abidjan war that was not
By Paul Bassey One of the reasons why some of us came to Abidjan was to see how we could use our presence, connections and authority to diffuse what was expected to be a “major football war.” The Nigerian press as vibrant as ever was in the middle of a build up that threatened even the travel plans of the Nigerian team. First were series of quotes alleging that the Ivoriens were so bitter about their treatment in Kaduna that they were ready to pay the Nigerians back in their own coins.(?) Then came the allegations (Press) that the Nigerians compromised the referees and that they were ready to do the same to guarantee victory. [caption id="attachment_406372" align="alignright" width="412"] IVORY COAST, Abidjan : Ivory Coast's forward Koelly Kevin Zougoula (R) vies for the ball with Nigeria's goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim (C) and Solomon Kwambe (L) during the 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifying football match between Ivory Coast and Nige...