11.  Nigerian players apparently had encountered difficulties arranging visas with the Japanese Embassy in Lagos, said Warnock.

12.  Nigerian players complained that the crowd was making so much noise it could not hear its national anthem being played and refused to kick off.

13.  Soccer officials on Wednesday asked for a delay in the burial of a teen-age Nigerian player shot to death during a rampage at a youth game last week.

14.  South African Sports Minister Steve Tshwete has said he personally would guarantee the safety of the Nigerian players and welcomed the Super Eagles to participate.

15.  The Nigerian players did not look like losers as they left the locker room, joking around and smiling.

16.  The sources said Abacha told Nwobodo his decision was irrevocable because of concerns Nigerian players could not be adequately protected during the tournament.

17.  This time the Nigerian players made a public show of appreciation to their Olympic hosts.

18.  Okocha is one of a gifted generation of Nigerian players who have often failed to deliver in major tournaments.