FIFA, the World football governing body, yesterday, slammed an indefinite ban on the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, following the violence that followed Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
The Black Stars of Ghana held the Super Eagles of Nigeria to a 1-1 draw at the stadium and consequently lost the Qatar 2022 World Cup ticket at stake to the Ghanaians.
Angered by the Eagles’ poor performance, fans took to the pitch, destroying everything in sight and forcing a stampede that led to several casualties.
Reacting to the match coordinator’s report on the incident, FIFA banned the stadium from holding international football matches indefinitely, while considering whether to mete more sanctions on Nigeria for its failure to provide adequate security during the Super Eagles versus Ghana match.