Journalists to be barred from covering Super Eagles qualifier against Sierra Leone on Friday

NIGERIA'S African Nations Cup qualifier against Sierra Leone taking place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin on Friday October 13 will take place behind closed doors with the media not even allowed to attend as part of the Covid-19 restrictions.

On November 13, the Super Eagles face the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone in Benin City  and face them in the return leg in Freetown three days later. According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), nobody will be allowed into the stadium, including the media as part of measures put in place to curtail the spread of the Covid-19 virus.

NFF spokesperson, Ademola Olajire, said: “The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has categorically stated that no journalists or supporters would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for Friday’s 2022 Africans Nations Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars. In the guidelines communicated to the NFF, Caf instructed, under media operations, that there would be no mixed zone, virtual press conference only if possible (media officers from both teams only) and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews.

“Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match. The above puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.”

Bola Oyeyode, the NFF's director of competitions, added that only individuals accredited by the federation would be allowed inside the stadium for the qualifier, which will kick off at 5pm Nigeria time. Members of the Super Eagles are already in camp for the game.