Qatar 2022: Senate probes vandalisation of Abuja stadium

The Senate on Wednesday resolved to investigate the vandalisation of facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium during a World Cup playoff between Super Eagles and Black Stars of Ghana.

The Red Chamber, therefore, mandated its Committee on Sports and Youth Development to summon the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick to assess the extent of damage at the stadium.

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The resolutions followed a Point of Order raised by Senator Michael Nnachi (PDP, Ebonyi) on the floor of the Senate.

The Senate also mandated the committee to investigate the remote and immediate cause of the failure of the Nigerian team to qualify for the World Cup in spite of the huge fund by government, individuals and corporate bodies.

While raising the point of order, Nnachi expressed sadness over the vandalisation of facilities at the stadium by irate football fans.

He said, “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 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 Kabungo, a CAF medical officer, is a huge loss to the global football community.”

Senator Abba Moro (PDP, Benue) said it was said that Nigerians vented their anger and frustration on the 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,” he said.