Ebola: Nigerians differ on NFF hosting S'Leone game

Ebola: Nigerians differ on NFF hosting S’Leone game 20 Aug 2015 2:51 AM  Nigerians have expressed different opinions over the decision of the Nigeria Football Federation to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match between African champions Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in Nigeria, due to the deadly Ebola virus. Due to the outbreak of the Ebola virus in some parts of West Africa last year, the Confederation of African Football ordered the affected nations — Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone — to use alternative venues for their home matches. The NFF announced on Wednesday that the Group I game of the AFCON qualifiers would be played at either the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, or the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt, on September 6. NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, said, “We are delighted to announce that we have received the go-ahead from the Federal Ministry of Health to host the match. The Sierra Leoneans will come with a delegation of 32, made up of mostly overseas-based professionals, technical crew and officials of the SLFA, to be led by its president, Isha Johansen. “The NFF has initiated discussions with the Lagos State Government and the Rivers State Government on preventive measures, such as keeping Sierra Leone’s small delegation in a special hotel where they can be monitored at all times. “We are talking of hosting the African champions, with the likes of African Footballer of the Year, Yaya Toure and others, and this will certainly earn us commendation from CAF and FIFA.” But former Super Eagles star, Etim Esin, expressed reservations about the game being played in Nigeria. Etim stated, “Morocco was supposed to host the 2015 AFCON but declined because of the outbreak of Ebola in some countries that will feature in the competition. The Sierra Leone game can be played elsewhere, even if it means Nigeria being fined for not hosting it. “We are in a country where things are not properly done, so we have to be careful. Who is going to watch the game? What if the virus spreads through the supporters? You never can tell. It’s not advisable because I see it as a distraction. We have a game against Tanzania; let’s put our house in order first.” An ex-Eagles midfielder, Emeka Ezeugo, said there was nothing to be afraid of. “Obviously all the people coming from the Ebola affected area of West Africa will be checked at the airport to ensure that that they are Ebola-free. All the preventive measures will be applied at the airport or at the border, to ensure that the foreigners are thoroughly checked. So, I don’t think it will pose much of a hazard than playing the game in Sierra Leone,” he said. A football fan, Chris Okechukwu, said, “I think it’s risky but if the health ministry gives the go-ahead for the game to be played here, then let them come and play.” Former Eagles keeper, Segun Oguns, said it was worth trying, after Nigeria successfully eradicated the virus. He said, “Our health officials did a great job of curbing the virus when we had issues. I think we should give the game a chance, considering that they are our brothers and the relevant tests would be carried out.” Sports medicine doctor, Bukola Bojuwoye, said hosting the game in Nigeria would not constitute any health challenges to the citizens. “It’s very safe (to play the match in Nigeria). The footballers and officials coming for the game cannot be carriers of the virus, because you cannot have it and still be doing sports,” Bojuwoye said. Assistant Director, Media, NFF, Ademola Olajire, said fans of the Leone Stars will not be part of the delegation for the match. “Only the 32-man delegation from Sierra Leone will be coming to Nigeria. Their fans will not come for the match.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: editor@punchng.com