Ahead of the 2021 AFCON qualifier set to take place on Friday at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, the latest reports have revealed that journalist wouldn’t be allowed to cover the match.
This was made public by the NFF Director of Communications, Demola Olajire, while addressing the press earlier today.
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He also informed that the Super Eagles news conferences in Benin City will be staged online, according to the CAF guidelines and only accredited individuals by the NFF will be allowed into the stadium.
The statement read in part, “The Confederation of African Football has categorically stated that no journalists or supporters would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for Friday’s 2022 AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars.
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“In the guidelines communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation, CAF instructed, under Media Operations, that there would be no mixed zone, virtual press conference only if possible (media officers from both teams only), and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews.
“Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match.
“The above puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.”
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The Eagles will host West African neighbours Sierra Leone on matchday three of the qualifiers.
Sierra Leone are bottom in Group L on one point after two games while the Eagles are top with six points.
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The reports also revealed that as the international break is set to commence, some Super Eagles players like Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Oghenekaro Etebo and Maduka Okoye are already in Nigeria and others are expected to arrive before Friday.
