The Nigerians In Diaspora Organization, NIDOE-Austria, has described
as ‘misguided’ an attempt by an Austrian-based, self-acclaimed
Nigerian to harass and embarrass the Super Falcons while they were on
a metro to the city centre in Vienna on Tuesday.
In a two-page letter signed by Subrinah Joy Dolischka (Office of the
Chairlady) and Deji Adeyemo (Office of the Secretary) and obtained by
the Nigeria Football Federation, NIDOE-Austria condemned in very
strong terms the assault by the fellow and insisted that tthey are
“happy that the Falcon players chose Austria for their summer camping
this year.”
The organization was unambiguous in declaring “that harassing our
players on a train is misguided. Though he may not have attempted to
physically assault any of them, this action of verbal harassment would
not solve any problems in Nigeria. This action infringes on their
rights to dignity as guaranteed by Austria laws…though Austrian laws
guarantee freedom to protest and demonstrations, there are procedures
that must be followed and this right is not a blanket provision to
harass innocent and private individuals.”
The organization said it saw “no problems with the Falcons taking
public transportation which are normally very comfortable and safe, to
get a feel of how people live in Vienna,” expressing that it is
“appalled over the actions of the fellow, no matter his motivations
and do hereby dissociate ourselves from his misguided action and
condemn it. This action is not representative of the Nigeria community
in Austria.
“We consider this action disturbing and unacceptable and regret the
incidence took place in our otherwise peaceful and progress-loving
community.
“We hope that despite this unfortunate incidence, the Falcons are
enjoying themselves in Austria and their preparations for their coming
tournament are progressing unaffected. We stand by them and wish them
success in the coming tournament and may they surge higher and higher
in their bid to do us proud.”
The nine-time African champions, who have been in Austria for an
eight-day training camp ahead of the upcoming Aisha Buhari
Invitational Women’s Tournament taking place in Lagos in September,
will fly out of Vienna on Saturday.
