Edo Deputy Governor wants 1,000 fans to watch Eagles, expects 5-0 win

THE Deputy Governor of Edo State, Phillip Shuaibu, has not given up on having fans watch the Super Eagles play Sierra Leone at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Friday.

The Confederation of African Football has issued COVID-19 guidelines for the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers across the continent this week and next week, which include teams playing behind closed doors (no fans admitted).

Also, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Nigeria’s body in charge of all matters related to the virus, has insisted that there should be no spectators at sporting events for now.

However, CAF has said that if the government of the host team wants spectators to be present, then the association in question will need to obtain the continental ruling body’s approval.

Shuaibu, who had initially declared that there would be free admission for fans before CAF and PTF shut the idea down, says the issue is not closed yet.

“We’re still discussing with the authorities to at least allow us to have 1,000 fans for the match,” the Deputy Governor told the Super Eagles players after their training session on Tuesday night

.”It’s a 15,000-capacity stadium and if we have 1,000, you will not notice anybody. 

“We’re still talking to them so that we will not inaugurate a completely empty new stadium.”

Shuaibu, who once played active football and was registered as a player for Bendel Insurance in the Nigeria Professional Football League two seasons ago, took part in some light training with the Eagles on the turf of the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

He then urged the team to get a comprehensive victory against Sierra Leone on Friday.”Nonetheless, you’re welcome,” he added.

“The Eagles never lost any match in the old Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and in this new one I know we’re all expecting a minimum of five goals from the Eagles. We’re praying for you, and by the grace of God the weather will be fine.”