Fans destroy MKO Abiola stadium
March 30, 2022
For failing to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later this year, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have lost $12.5 million broken down to qualification fee of $2.5 million and another $10 million if the team fails to go beyond the Group Stage.
Ghana Black Stars instead grabbed the money after drawing 1-1 against Nigeria in Abuja to qualify on away goal rule.
The return leg result in Abuja angered Nigerian fans who attacked and destroyed parts of the MKO Abiola Stadium. Some pelted Ghanaian players in their anger.
They blamed the non-qualification of Nigeria on corruption in the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the poor tactics of Austine Eguavoen whom some described as a ‘pupil coach’ only fit for a third division team.
The Black Stars, coached by a former Ghanaian international, Otto Ado, showed superior technical play during both legs, thus exposing the lack of football knowhow of the Nigerian coaching crew.
Otto Addo, the coach of Black Stars of Ghana, had said on Monday that his team will surprise Nigeria’s Super Eagles by securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup ticket in Abuja.
Addo told newsmen at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on Monday ahead of Tuesday’s match that he was optimistic of victory and he got it.
He said he was confident because the Black Stars played well in Ghana and they would now improve on their performance in the return leg fixture in Abuja.
“We have a good team, and we played well in Ghana. We will improve on this, because we are here to push more, and we are determined.
‘’Moreover, I don’t see myself being under pressure, because it is a privilege to play against the Super Eagles in Nigeria.
“We are not better than the Super Eagles and the Super Eagles are not better than us.
“But we are here to improve on our game until we are satisfied with our performance and score some goals,” the coach said.
