… We Are Investigating Abuja Stadium Incident -FIFA

By Ebube Dike

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF have denied the world football governing body, FIFA have banned the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja from hosting international matches, www.bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

NFF in a release on Friday noted that the reported indefinite ban on the newly renovated turf was untrue even as the federation also debunked report that the Video Assistant Referee, VAR equipment used in the World Cup play-off match against Ghana on Tuesday was stolen.

“The Nigeria Football Federation has decried a stream of incorrect reports being peddled in sections of the media, in connection with Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja,” part of the presser stated.

The release quoted the General Secretary NFF , Dr Mohammed Sanusi on Friday saying: “We are alarmed at the influx of incorrect reports, otherwise known as fake news, mostly in the social media. There is no truth to the reports that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been banned for any length of time by FIFA. It is a concoction by some persons with fertile imagination. The NFF has not received any such communication from either FIFA or CAF.

“There has also been an outlandish report that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment that was installed for the match had been stolen. We initially thought this was an April Fool prank but it is alarming that some media outlets are taking it serious. Nothing of such happened. The VAR equipment remains intact and has been returned to the FIFA office in Zurich, Switzerland by Sebastian Runge, FIFA’s Head of Technology.”

Sanusi added: “The NFF understands that Nigerians in their generality were sorely disappointed by the result of the match, which came short of having the Super Eagles at the World Cup. It is a painful situation for everyone, including ourselves at the Federation. However, we are appealing that the propensity for half truths and outright falsehood be discouraged. We believe that the present squad of Super Eagles is still capable of achieving great things.”

FIFA Investigating Abuja Fans’ Disruption

Nigeria would face sanctions from FIFA after crowd trouble marred the end of their 2022 World Cup play-off against Ghana and the global football umpire is investigating the crowd violence that occured on Tuesday

Nigerian fans reacted angrily after the Super Eagles were eliminated from qualifying on the away goals rule following a 1-1 draw.

The Ghanaian players and staff were pelted with water bottles from the stands as they left the pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, and Nigeria supporters then invaded the pitch.

The crowd had overturned and damaged two dugouts before tear gas was used and police hit out at fans with batons.

FIFA told BBC Sport Africa it is analysing official match reports, and will then decide if action will be taken against the NFF.

“The relevant information included in the match reports will be evaluated by the competent disciplinary bodies before deciding on the next steps to be taken,” a Fifa statement added.

FIFA frowns at fans encroachment into the field of play and have in the past sanctioned member associations were such incidents happened.

For instance, in 2016, FIFA sanctioned Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and directed their next home match – a World Cup qualifier against the Emirates to be played behind closed doors, FAM was fined 40,000 Swiss francs ($40,000) and issued with a warning following fans encroachment into their match against Saudi Arabia