Chairman of the Nigeria Supporters Club has
denied the reports making rounds that Nigerian supporters were expelled
from the stadium during the U-23 AFCON match between Nigeria and
Algeria.
Contrary to reports making round that Nigerian football fans were expelled from the football stadium in Senegal for displaying
Biafran flags during the match between Nigeria’s Dream Team VI and the U-23 national team of Algeria, president of the Nigeria Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo has explained that he is not aware of such, adding that Nigerian supporters are yet to land in Senegal.
In a telephone interview with Truthloaded sports on Sunday December 6, Rafiu disclosed that he and crew are sourcing for money and will surely be in the host country before the Semi-final clash with the host team.
He said: “I am not aware of this. I am in Nigeria and if they ban supporters, it cannot be Nigerian supporters because none of our people have gone there. It could be fans but not Nigerian supporters.
“We are still in Nigeria and contemplating on going there, so I am not aware of such,” he said.
Asked if he thinks Siasia’s side can manage to get to the Olympics, Rafiu explained that it is going to be difficult against the home team, but Nigeria can still make it to the Olympics.
“It is going to be a tough match but if we put our house together, we may be able to defeat them. I know whatever happens, we will still get to the Olympics since three teams will eventually qualify,” he said.
The Supporters Club president disclosed that he lost his father over the week, but will still do everything possible to lead his crew to Senegal.
He said: “Last week I lost my father and I have been occupied with the burial arrangements, however, I am yet to confirm if our supporters were banned.
However, there had been earlier reports that a group of Nigerian football supporters caused tension and were ordered to leave the stands by the Senegalese football association who considered the display of the Biafran flags at the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium “a militant act”.
According to Premium Times, Amadou Kane, the vice president of the Senegalese Football Federation immediately ordered security agents at the stadium to tear down Biafran flags, posters, as well as expelled the supporters involved.
Some of the fans were alleged to have worn branded T-shirts, with Biafra logo and also used the opportunity to call for Biafran autonomy.
The game eventually ended 0 – 0 with Nigeria and Algeria progressing to the semi-final.
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI will face hosts Senegal in the semi-final, while South Africa and Algeria will battle in the second semi-final of the U-23 African Nations Cup.
Contrary to reports making round that Nigerian football fans were expelled from the football stadium in Senegal for displaying
Biafran flags during the match between Nigeria’s Dream Team VI and the U-23 national team of Algeria, president of the Nigeria Supporters Club, Rafiu Ladipo has explained that he is not aware of such, adding that Nigerian supporters are yet to land in Senegal.
In a telephone interview with Truthloaded sports on Sunday December 6, Rafiu disclosed that he and crew are sourcing for money and will surely be in the host country before the Semi-final clash with the host team.
He said: “I am not aware of this. I am in Nigeria and if they ban supporters, it cannot be Nigerian supporters because none of our people have gone there. It could be fans but not Nigerian supporters.
“We are still in Nigeria and contemplating on going there, so I am not aware of such,” he said.
Asked if he thinks Siasia’s side can manage to get to the Olympics, Rafiu explained that it is going to be difficult against the home team, but Nigeria can still make it to the Olympics.
“It is going to be a tough match but if we put our house together, we may be able to defeat them. I know whatever happens, we will still get to the Olympics since three teams will eventually qualify,” he said.
The Supporters Club president disclosed that he lost his father over the week, but will still do everything possible to lead his crew to Senegal.
He said: “Last week I lost my father and I have been occupied with the burial arrangements, however, I am yet to confirm if our supporters were banned.
However, there had been earlier reports that a group of Nigerian football supporters caused tension and were ordered to leave the stands by the Senegalese football association who considered the display of the Biafran flags at the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium “a militant act”.
According to Premium Times, Amadou Kane, the vice president of the Senegalese Football Federation immediately ordered security agents at the stadium to tear down Biafran flags, posters, as well as expelled the supporters involved.
Some of the fans were alleged to have worn branded T-shirts, with Biafra logo and also used the opportunity to call for Biafran autonomy.
The game eventually ended 0 – 0 with Nigeria and Algeria progressing to the semi-final.
Nigeria’s Dream Team VI will face hosts Senegal in the semi-final, while South Africa and Algeria will battle in the second semi-final of the U-23 African Nations Cup.
No comments:
Post a Comment