2022 World Cup: Angry Fans Protest Nigeria’s Ouster, Destroy MKO Abiola Stadium
- Ugly scenes as victorious Ghanaian players race off the field
BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Things turned awry inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Tuesday night as some irate Nigerian fans went haywire protesting the Super Eagles’ ouster from the 2022 FIFA World Cup tournament to be hosted by Qatar in November this year.
Refusing to take the devastating elimination and loss to Ghana’s Black Stars in good faith, the angry fans pursued visitors away from the field after their 1-1 draw in the second leg play-off encounter.
The result was a total disappointment for the home fans who unfortunately took matters into their hands by destroying some facilities at the stadium when the game ended.
The sudden invasion and commotion within the Stadium main bowl forced the joyful Black Stars players, who were celebrating their victory, to hurry away from the pitch into the dressing room as the stadium security attempted dispersing the unruly crowd with teargas.
Scenes of ugly event are awash the social media showing destruction of facilities within the multi-billion Naira edifice whose main bowl that hosted the match was rehabilitated free of charge over a year ago by billionaire businessman and philanthropist Aliko Dangote,
Prior to the encounter, there were reports of stampede and harassment of fans by some security officials.
Indeed, it was a thoroughly sad day for millions of Nigerians as Thomas Partey’s opening goal helped the Ghanaians progress to the world’s greatest football spectacle based on away goals rule after holding the Coach Augustine Eguavoen-tutored Super Eagles to a goalless draw in Kumasi late Friday.
Not even William Troost-Ekong’s equaliser from the penalty spot could inspire the Nigerians to victory, thereby condemning them to another four years wait when the next World Cup comes up in 2026. – With Goal.com reports
