- Social Media awash with calls for sack of Eguavoen, NFA chairman, Minister of Sports sack
The world football governing body, FIFA, is to punish Nigeria for the pitch invasion, rampage destruction of stadium infrastructure by spectators after the Super Eagles were knocked out by the Black Stars of Ghana in the Qatar FIFA World Cup.
Though the scoreline in the jammed stadium was 1-1, Ghana edged out Nigeria on away goal rule, its early goal in Abuja reckoned as two goals.
With the blast of the final whistle, enraged Nigerian football fans then went on the rampage, invading the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, throwing pellets of water on Ghana football supporters, going after Nigerian officials and destroying the stadium infrastructure.
Videos of the protest were shared on Social Media Tuesday night though it was not clear whether anyone was hurt in the chaotic scene. Billows of smoke, apparently from tear gas canisters, could also been seen at a section of the stadium.
Though the specific punishment for Nigeria is not clear yet, sources confirmed that it may include but not limited to fines or placing a ban on the use of the Abuja stadium for FIFA sanctioned matches.
This would not be the first time FIFA would be sanctioning Nigeria. On October 3, 2017, it handed the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) an N11 million Naira fine for its fans’ breach of security during a World Cup qualifying match.
Nigeria was charged for improper conduct amongst spectators, invasions of restricted areas by supporters other than the pitch.
The game took place on September the 1st at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, where the Super Eagles defeated the indomitable lions of Cameroon 4-nil.
The protest on the pitch came as the Social Media resonated with calls for immediate sack of Eagles coach Austin Eguavoen, NFF president Amaju Pinnick and Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare.
