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Angry Nigerian Fans Invade Pitch, Vandalize Abuja Stadium Facilities [Video]

Published

30 March 2022

7:13 AM

FIFA Bans Abuja Stadium Over Invasion, Vandalisation Of Facilities

There was a commotion inside the newly refurbished Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday following the invasion of the pitch by some angry fans of the Super Eagles of Nigeria.

Naija News reports that the angry fans thronged the pitch and vandalised stadium facilities in protest of the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Black Stars of Ghana secured a ticket to the World Cup and stopped Nigeria’s dream of becoming the first African country to qualify for four consecutive World Cups.

Recall that last week, Ghana hosted a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the world cup play-off.

The two teams then created tense moments at the National Stadium in Abuja as they battled for a ticket to Qatar 2022.

Ghana took the lead in the 11th minute with an opener from Arsenal player, Thomas Partey.

Hope was, however, restored for Nigerians after William Troost-Ekong won a penalty kick to make it 1-1 and it remained that way in the first half.

Unfortunately for the Nigerian team, the game ended 1-1 in the second half, an advantage for Ghana which scored an away goal.

However, following the final whistle, a crowd of irate fans stormed the pitch, took over the bench, and smashed its glasses in anger.

The angry fans also destroyed other facilities in the 60,000 capacity stadium which was renovated in August 2020, despite attempts by security operatives to forestall the breakdown of law and order.