The Nigeria Football Federation has stoutly denied a report
making the rounds that five football fans died during stampede at the Godswill
Akpabio International Stadium before Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup
qualifier between Nigeria and Zambia.
Nigeria won 1-0 courtesy a 74th minute goal
by Alex Iwobi to become the first African country to qualify for the Russia
2018, but a report claimed some persons died while trying to enter the arena
for the big match.
“There is absolutely no truth to the report that some fans
died. Naturally, considering the nature of the particular match, so many fans
wanted to watch the match live, and there were some pushing and shoving at the
gates.
“We are in contact with the Akwa Ibom State Government and
we can confirm that nobody died. A few persons suffered injuries but they are
in hospital and their progress is being monitored,” NFF General Secretary, Dr.
Mohammed Sanusi, said on Sunday.
Victory over Zambia marked only the second time in history
that the Eagles would reach the World Cup finals with a match to spare, and
Sanusi appealed to ball fans and stakeholders not to dampen the mood of
celebration with fictitious reports.
“This is a good period for Nigerian Football. Only a few
weeks ago, the Super Eagles also qualified for the African Nations
Championship. There is so much to celebrate. There is no reason for stories
that emanate only from the imagination of persons.”
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