Thousands of Nigerian fans going to cheer the Super Eagles during the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying football match between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo on Saturday, have been warned by a security advisor.
Super Eagles fans
The Senior Security Advisor to the Super Eagles, CP Garba Umar, has urged football fans to be orderly as they throng Uyo to watch the team’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia on Saturday.
Umar made the appeal when he spoke with journalists on Friday in Awka on the crucial 2018 World Cup qualifier against the Chipolopolo of Zambia at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
He said that the team had been talking to fans on the need to be ruly as well as the consequences of field encroachment.
The Police Commissioner in Anambra said that enough mobilisation of personnel had been done ahead of the game in the light of the high expectations and excitement that would surround the game.
“We have been working towards a hitch-free game, talking to fans against pitch invasion or encroachment because FIFA is very strict about such behaviours.
“Our men have been mobilised and are on the ground, we understand the nature and tempo of the game, it is a crucial one. And we hope that with the preparations on ground, it will be a very free security atmosphere,” he said.
Contributing, Arthur Ebunam, the Chairman of ex-Rangers International players in Anambra, said that though pressure would be on the Eagles, they would come out triumphant.
Ebunam, a former Green Eagles player, said they should approach the game with positive minds and attack their opponents and score as many goals as possible.
He said that the Eagles were almost World Cup-bound but should play the Zambians as though their qualification depended on the game.
“Our team is under pressure whether you like it or not; they have almost qualified, people are hoping they win the game; they are at home unlike their opponents who are here to spoil their fun.
“Technically, they should attack, attack and attack, get many goals in the first half and consolidate in the second half, I am confident we will win,” he said.
A win over Zambia in Uyo will be enough to see Nigeria return to the Mundial after reaching the second round in Brazil in 2014.
(NAN)