Fans vandalized the Abuja National Stadium after Nigeria failed to book a slot for themself in the World Cup qualifiers.
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Nigerian fans suffered heartbreak after their national team drew 1-1 with Ghana on Tuesday at the Abuja National Stadium in a decisive qualifier for the World Cup. Ghana progressed to the play-offs with a victory on away goals. Meanwhile, Nigeria had to bow out as their hope of reaching the World Cup came to an early end.
The first leg ended up in a 0-0 draw. Until the day for the second leg approached, Arsenal’s midfielder, Thomas Partey gave his country a dream start at the 10th minute mark on the clock. Nigeria then drew level with Ghana when William Troost-Ekong converted the penalty in the 22nd minute. But the away goals rule meant Nigeria had to win it. Though it was something that they failed to do in the end.
Earlier for Africa’s representatives, Egypt was knocked out by Senegal. Whereas, Morocco eased to a 5-2 win on aggregate over the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Tunisia too kept their head high in the game over Mali to progress. As for Algeria and Cameroon, the game was forced into extra time. However, a strike from Karl Toko Ekambi in the 124th minute set Cameroon through the qualifiers.
This win over Nigeria gives Ghana a much-needed boost, as the country missed out on the last World Cup in Russia. They will now be joined by Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia and Cameroon in Qatar later this year. As for the Super Eagles, they won’t be a part of FIFA’s competition of great grandeur.
After the defeat to Ghana, Nigeria won’t be playing at the 2022 World Cup. However, this did not settle well with Nigerian fans as they stormed the pitch and vandalized the stadium after the full-time whistle, as per reports.
Ghana had to cut their celebrations short as their win was quickly overshadowed by Nigerian fans – hurling objects at the players, making them race off the field.
The scenes at the Abuja National Stadium further took an ugly turn. Supporters were seen to cause damage to the stadium along with ripping and pushing hoardings over the pitch. Police were then forced to fire tear gas over the fan-flooded pitch in order to take control of the disastrous situation, as per reports.
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