Abuja (AP) – Violent riots broke out after the Nigerian national football team lost the decisive World Cup qualifier against neighboring Ghana.
TV pictures and videos on social media showed how angry fans stormed the pitch of the stadium in Nigeria’s capital Abuja after the 1-1 draw. The rioters threw objects onto the field, destroyed benches and tore up goal nets and advertising banners. The security forces tried to bring the situation under control with tear gas. Nigeria’s football association initially did not comment on the riots.
FIFA medic passes away
One day of the game, it was also announced that a doctor from the world football association FIFA had died in the game. The doctor Joseph Kabungo was on Tuesday in the stadium in Nigeria’s capital Abuja as a doping officer, said the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).
The cause of Kabungo’s death is unclear, said FAZ President Andrew Kamanga. A detailed report is expected from FIFA and the African Football Confederation (CAF), Kamanga said. Media speculated whether Kabunga was killed by rampaging fans or died of natural causes.
After 0-0 in the first leg, Ghana qualified for the World Cup in Qatar (21 November to 18 December) on away goals. The Super Eagles, on the other hand, are absent for the first time since 2006.