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NFF at risk of FIFA hammer over Uyo stampede

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) could get hammered by FIFA following a stampede at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium during the Nigeria Zambia match, which left a number of persons with various degrees of injury.

The incident occurred at the entrance of the Uyo Stadium as fans made efforts to enter and watch the Nigeria Zambia World Cup qualifier match.

The fans were allegedly beaten by soldiers with heavy sticks at the gate. Many tried to dodge being beaten and hit by the soldiers which eventually led to the stampede.

Some supporters who were victims of the assault vowed never to attend a match at the stadium.

Men of the Nigeria Police Force and other paramilitary agencies were seen standing beside collapsed fans with blood stain as Ambulances were seen moving injured persons.

However, the Akwa Ibom State Government has debunked news that some lives were lost during the stampede.

State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh in a statement confirmed the incident but noted that no life of lost in the stampede.

“There was a rush by spectators who arrived the stadium after the match had started, trying to gain entrance into the stadium which led to a few of them sustaining minor injuries.

“There were nine people injured during the incident and all of them were taken to the hospital for treatment while no life was lost. This much was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer and the Commissioner for Health,” he added.

Recall that a similar accident occurred during Nigeria’s match against Cameroon on September 1. FIFA fined the Nigeria 30,000 Swiss francs to the tone of ₦11, 019,723, following fans invasion at the same stadium.

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium was filled beyond its 30,000 capacity.

Nigeria was charged for;

“improper conduct amongst spectators (pitch invasion by supporters and invasions of restricted areas by supporters other than the pitch)”.

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