Qatar 2022: Senate institutes probe into vandalisation of facilities at MKO Abiola Stadium

The dust over the failed bid by the Super Eagles to qualify for the FIFA World Cup scheduled to take place by November 2022 in Qatar appears not to have settled as the Senate mandated its Committee on Sports and Youth Development to probe why the Nigeria flag would be missing at Qatar 2022.

The Senate is not happy that the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup despite the huge fund by the government, individuals and corporate bodies.

The Upper Chamber also expressed sadness about the violent reaction by irate football fans that took place in the aftermath of Nigeria vs Ghana qualifier leading to the vandalisation of valuable facilities in the stadium including the unfortunate death of a Zambian and FIFA-CAF anti-doping medical officer.

The Senate, therefore summoned the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare for the purpose of assessing the extent of the vandalisation of facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.

The upper chamber equally invited the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick and other agencies involved in the maintenance of the stadium.

The Senate’s resolutions were sequel to a Point of Order raised by Senator Michael Nnachi (PDP-Ebonyi) during Wednesday’s plenary.

The Senate also mandated its Committee on Sports and Youth Development to investigate the remote and immediate cause of the failure of the Nigerian team to qualify for the World Cup.

While raising the point of order, Senator Nnachi noted with sadness the vandalisation of facilities at the stadium by irate football fans.

According to him, “Violent reaction by irate football fans reportedly took place in the aftermath of Nigeria vs Ghana qualifier leading to vandalisation of facilities in the stadium and the unfortunate death of Zambian CAF official, Joseph Kabungo.

“The national stadium was jam-packed with highly expectant Nigerian football fans throughout the controversial match and the alleged violent reaction of those fans to the outcome of this match has become a subject of local and international media criticism.

“A lot of valuable facilities at the stadium were destroyed but the extent of the destruction is yet to be determined by the relevant government authority.

“There is no gainsaying that the destruction will cause the government of Nigeria several millions of naira to either replace or effect repairs.

“Apart from several unidentified football fans who were injured as a result of this incident, the death of Dr Joseph is a huge loss to the global football community.”

Supporting the motion, Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue) said it was a very sad day for Nigeria.

“It is sad that Nigerians vented their anger and frustration on the physical stadium.

“There is an urgent need for this Senate, if possible, to intervene to see that our stadia across Nigeria are properly structured and made in such a way that future occurrence or fans invading the pitch or destroying the stadium will be prevented.”

“We urge NFF, sports ministry to take urgent steps to make sure that Nigerians especially our footballers are properly motivated and committed to the nation,” he said.

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