Former Nigeria youth international Emmanuel Sarki has backed claims made by his close friend Chinedu Obasi on the issue of being asked to pay a bribe before he will be call up to the senior national team of Nigeria.
In an interview with Kelechi Bernard, Obasi revealed that he was asked to pay bribe if he is to make the Super Eagles of Nigeria team to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He refused to pay as he believe his form at Schalke 04 back then should have earned him a spot in the team on merit.
Reacting to the allegation made by the AIK of Sweden forward, Sarki who has since switched allegiance to the national team of Haiti said he was also told same at around same time but just like Obasi he declined.
Speaking on Liberty Radio sportshow with award winning sport presenter Mohammed Suleiman popularly known as Mowiz, Sarki said while he was at Polish side Wisla Krakow he was asked to pay the summer of €10,000 if he is to be called up.
” While I was in Poland with Wisla Krakow my club president spoke with the national team coaches inviting them to come and watch me. He was asked to pay for the air ticket and other expenses which he accepted”, Sarki said live on Kaduna’s foremost Radio station Liberty Radio 91.7Fm.
” I was now called by same people my club contacted and was told I should pay €10,000 if I want to be invited that coming to watch me isn’t enough. At that point my club president Mr Bernard felt really bad just as me.
” My choice to play for Haiti is one that I have no regrets about it because I have found peace and also professionalism where I am right now. This issue of bribe for spot is not something that people will say they don’t know. So Obasi is right “.
Osas Mahawi
