Doubts are beginning to surface over the venue of the Nigeria versus Malawi game, after world football governing body, FIFA, wrote to the Nigeria Football Federation NFF, demanding to know the security arrangements at the U.J Esuene Stadium. The arena is expected to host the September 7 World Cup qualifier between the Super Eagles and the flames of Malawi. Insecurity The letter is the FIFA response to the alarm raised by the Malawi Football Federation alleging insecurity at the U.J Esuene Stadium. The letter, which is dated August 12, demanded that the NFF should furnish it with proof of adequate security at the stadium. The Chairman of the NFF Security Sub- committee, Effiong Johnson, who confirmed the receipt of the letter, said the federation would meet all the demands of FIFA, stressing that Calabar is very safe for the match. Surprised and shocked - We will certainly reply the letter from the world soccer governing body, furnishing them with the full detail of the security of that stadium, he told The Guardian - I was surprised and shocked when I got the letter, and I want to think that the Malawians are just playing tricks. - The stadium in question has hosted almost all our qualifiers without any verbal or written complaint from any of the visiting teams. Water-tight - We have always ensured a watertight security within and outside the stadium before, during and after the matches. There has never been any security concern since the stadium started hosting crucial and friendly matches involving the national teams. - I challenge FIFA to investigate from any quarter whether Calabar is not one of the most peaceful cities in this country. Malawi have asked that the game be moved to another venue, possibly, outside Nigeria.
Posted on: Wed, 14 Aug 2013 08:24:01 +0000
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