Few Fans To Watch Nigeria vs Lesotho Match At Teslim Balogun Stadium
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying Match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and their counterparts from Lesotho will be played under strict adherence to COVID-19 health protocols, the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has ordered.
What this means is that the chance of Lagos fans watching their darling Eagles live at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere on Tuesday, 30 March, 2021 is restricted to just a few thousand fans.
Authorising Nigeria as the first African Nation to have so many fans in the stadium at this time speaks volumes of CAF’s confidence in the country and Nigeria’s ability to cope with strict crowd control demands. Lagos has made plans to abide by CAF by meeting all requirements.
Match host, the Lagos State Government through Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC) says that though it is not the ideal condition for Eagles not to play before a full house on the return to their nest for this first competitive match in Lagos in 20 years, all Nigerians have to make sacrifices to ensure all things work out for the long-term good bearing in mind the unique situation COVID-19 has put the entire globe.
Executive Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Sola Aiyepeku stated that Lagos welcomes and would abide by CAF’s decisions on the need for fan control as it’s a necessary decision for public safety.
“CAF has uniquely given us permission to have a very limited crowd in the stadium for the game because of COVID-19 restrictions in the interest of public safety. As we continue to fight this deadly virus, I want to inform our fans that the game is not open to the general public. Tickets will not be sold.
“We are working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a strict selection process for the few fans that will be in the stands. We know most Lagosians really want to see the Super Eagles and we are hopeful that as we all continue to do our part in the effort to fight this pandemic, the Super Eagles will soon be able to play in Lagos before a full capacity crowd cheering them on. Unfortunately, it won’t be for this game”.
Aiyepeku said the State Government is working hard to successfully host the Match as all hands are on deck to ensure both Super Eagles and Lesotho contingent enjoy Lagos hospitality throughout their stay in the State.
In the same vein, football fans are not allowed to watch Super Eagles training sessions ahead of the Lesotho game coming up on Tuesday, 30th March 2021.
