While the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja is a magnificent masterpiece, the sorry nature of its pitch is really apalling.
The pitch prevented free flow of the ball and might have conspired to cause Ekong’s hamstring injury as the Super Eagles struggled to string multiple passes together and found trouble maintaining their organisation and pressure on and off the ball.
The condition of the MKO Abiola stadium barely three months after the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against Ghana was disturbing.
Nigeria’s sports minister, Sunday Dare had earlier ordered the closure of Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja, main pitch.
Dare made the decision after Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro complained about the poor state of the playing surface following Sunday’s training session.
The Super Eagles also did not train on the pitch on Monday to allow groundsmen to put it in proper shape before today’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra.
They had their training on Monday at the practice pitch of the stadium.
“The pitch can be used only for matches involving the national teams,” an official of the sports ministry Mohammed Manga told NAN.
“We have to keep the stadium’s main pitch in good shape for use for international matches involving the national teams,” he said.
With the development, Nigeria Professional Football League club, Kano Pillars will have to look for a new stadium for their home games.
The Sai Masu Gida were banished to Abuja by the League Management Company following crowd trouble in their home clash against Katsina United.
With all being said the NFF can do better with that Abuja pitch or get a better home for the national team.
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