NFF: Lagos could stage Nations Cup tie

Nigeria Football Federation

 

 

 

 

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have hinted a 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia slated for March could be played in Lagos.
Nigeria coach, Samson Siasia, has proposed the Group B qualifier be played in the country’s commercial capital of Lagos to bring back the atmosphere and crowds that have been lacking at national team games since they were hosted in Abuja.
“Lagos is an option we are looking at and if we get all the approvals, there is no reason why the match cannot be played there,” said NFF general secretary, Musa Amadu.
The qualifying match against Ethiopia on March 26 could therefore be played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, which has an artificial pitch.
The next-door National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, which has suffered from a total neglect for many years, last hosted a full international match in 2004.
Incidentally, Ethiopia’s last visit to Nigeria was in July 1993, when they were thumped 6-0 there.
Attendances at Eagles matches at the 60,000-capacity Abuja National Stadium have fluctuated from a full house to a few thousands.
These matches have also been devoid of the atmosphere associated with games involving the national team.