The Super Eagles of Nigeria begin their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations journey with a clash against Leone stars which is set to be played behind closed doors.
FIFA earlier sanctioned Nigeria to a one-match behind closed doors ban after the destruction that took place in respect to Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup after the qualifying game against Ghana at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
Speaking on Tuesday, the Nigeria Football Federation General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi appealed to fans to stay away from the game while also reminding them it’s just one game, after which fans would be allowed back in.
“We want to appeal to our very passionate football fans to take heart for this one game. It is only a one-match ban, after which they can again start trooping out to support the Super Eagles. The match against Sierra Leone will be without fans as a consequence of what happened after the match against the Ghanaians,” Dr. Sanusi said.
He further went on to seek the support of football fans to show love for the Super Eagles ahead of the game.
“Nonetheless, we want to urge all our football fans, and indeed all Nigerians, to support the team whichever way they can and pray for success against the Sierra Leoneans on Thursday.”
Nigeria take on Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola Stadium on Thursday, 9th June by 5 pm and then face São Tomé and Príncipe on the 13th of June in Morocco.
