FIFA didn’t ban Abuja stadium after fans’ violence in Ghana game – NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation says FIFA has not banned the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja after fans went on rampage destroying things in the stadium following the Super Eagles 1-1 draw against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoffs on Tuesday.

The NFF in a statement by the communications department on Friday, described the reports as fake news.

 “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,” the statement quoted NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi.

The football body also debunked reports that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) newly installed in the stadium was stolen.

“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 seriously. 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 said.

“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.”