By Oyinlola Awonuga (The New Diplomat’s Entertainment, Fashion and Sports Desk)
Football fans in Benin City are unhappy with the decision of the Confederation of African Football to deny them entry into the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for Friday’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Sierra Leone.
Fans will not be allowed into the newly refurbished stadium, as the Nigeria Football Federation implements Confederation of African Football’s guidelines against Covid-19 pandemic.
“It’s a shame we will not get the chance to see the boys in action. Personally, I was looking forward seeing the likes of Leon Balogun, Samuel Chukwueze and my favourite player Victor Osimhen play in Benin,”James Eichie told newsmen.
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“It’s a tough one for us but I understand CAF’s decision even though most of us here are not happy with it. I just hope we will have the chance to watch the Super Eagles here in our state in future.”
Another fan, Osamudiamen Victor also expressed his disappointment with CAF’s decision.
“I don’t go with there (CAF) decision at all. I see no reason why they can’t just allow a small number of fans into the stadium. We can’t even watch the boy’s train,”Victor lamented.
“I’m not happy at all. This is a big opportunity for some of us to see the players play in our state. I’m not happy, this is disappointing.”
The Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City on Friday, November 13 before flying to Freetown for the return game on Tuesday, November 17 at the Siaka Stevens Stadium.
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Victory in both encounters will all but guarantee Nigeria a slot at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations finals holding in Cameroon.
