Nigeria escape major stampede in Kaduna

The first leg of the all-important 2017 African Cup of Nations has ended with mixed reactions as fans lament the level of preparation for fans as regards security. Naij.com Sports reported a few hours before the game which was played at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna that security was top-notch as several top Nigerian security agencies which included the men of the Nigerian police force, men of the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) as well as the Nigerian Army were spotted at strategic locations in a bid to ensure the arena got the needed security.
For their love for football, fans trooped to the stadium from different parts of the country as early as 9am but were denied access into the arena as the officers claimed they were “acting according to instructions.”

As a result, thousands of fans lurked around the arena in groups as some others jostled for tickets which were scarce. Tension was beginning to increase as some of the fans lamented poor treatment by the officers with a man getting injured in the squabble.

Despite the scorching sun, the gates were not opened to fans until a few minutes to 1pm, possibly because the security men were advised to do so as tens of thousands of fans were getting impatient.

As if that was not enough, the fans overpowered the guards at the gates leading to the pitch as thousands littered the tracks. Security men battled to contain the invasion, as a fan got on to the pitch and raced to hug Mikel.

However, the men of the Nigerian Police Force did excellently well protecting supporters of the Pharaohs of Egypt as they were properly shielded after the devastating equaliser which sent them into raptures in injury time.

With the match ending 1 – 1 after Oghenekaro Etebo had put Nigeria ahead, the Super Eagles will need to beat Egypt in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29, for a chance to qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations billed for Gabon. Egypt lead Group G with 7 points while Nigeria trail with 5, with three matches to go.