Nigerian football fans have criticised the government for choosing the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as the Super Eagles’ home field after the team’s poor performance in their 1-0 loss to Guinea Bissau in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Friday in Abuja.
The Eagles lost at home, dropping them off the top of their Group A standing for 2023 AFCON as a result of Mama Samba Balde’s goal in the 29th minute.
Nigerians were vociferous about the poor condition of the playing surface, which they blamed for the team’s disorganised performance, in addition to the various individual performances that were criticised.
After the Dangote Group of Companies turned over the Moshood Abiola National Stadium football pitch to the Federal Government 19 months ago after renovating it for an estimated $1 million, the ground has reverted to its previous pitiful condition.
Notably, the Federal Government’s Adopt-A-Pitch initiative, which encourages private sector cooperation to improve sports facilities around the nation, made it possible for the stadium reconstruction.
After the Eagles’ Friday loss to the visiting Guinea Bissau, the spectators were very unpleased with the condition of the surface of the pitch.
The Super Eagles players, who have been in good form for their individual clubs, showed contrasting form on the playing pitch, according to freestyle rapper Dandizzy.
“Our field texture can never allow our Super Eagles players replicate their European form, improve the facilities or these home-based African teams would keep humiliating us in important games,” he wrote on Twitter.
Nigerian journalist Shina Oludare also questioned, “Why are they always taking Super Eagles matches to Abuja? Personal interest sha! Lagos Stadium can’t be this empty. Shame.”
Ibukun Aluko a football podcaster also added, “The Super Eagles of Nigeria needs to go back to Uyo. Our record there is unmatched, I wonder why we must always play in Abuja.”
