When the Super Eagles face Sierra Leone in their first match of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, captain Ahmed Musa has stated that playing behind closed doors will not be a problem for them.
At the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria’s last competitive match was against Ghana. The Super Eagles were denied a ticket to the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with the Black Stars in Nigeria.
Spectators flocked onto the pitch, destroying stadium equipment and endangering the players.
FIFA reacted by barring Nigerian fans from entering the stadium for one game.
Since then, Nigeria has played two friendlies. They will receive the punishment, however, when they face Sierra Leone in their first competitive match on Thursday (today).
Captain Ahmed Musa insists that the lack of spectators will not be a problem for them ahead of the game.
“We are used to it, there is no problem. we played almost one and half years in the league without the fans(during the COVID-19 lockdown)”, Musa said at the pre-match presser as per Victor Modo.
“That is not a new thing. It is what we have to pay for because we did what we are paying for. So it is left for us to play for what we need because we have to win the fans’ confidence back.”
When Gernot Rohr was still in charge of the Super Eagles, the Leone stars came to visit and drew a disconcerting 4-4 draw in Benin City.
Despite his poor start, Nigeria can still hope for a victory with Jose Peseiro in charge.