Sports

AFCON 2023: NFF Reiterates Nigeria, Sierra Leone Match Will Be Behind Closed Door

Published

4 years ago

June 7, 2022

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Football Federation has reiterated that Thursday’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying encounter between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja will be played without fans in the stands.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi said in Abuja on Tuesday that the situation is a consequence of the one-match ban placed on the country by the world football –governing body, FIFA over the fracas that followed the end of the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff round against the Black Stars of Ghana in March.

“We want to appeal to our very passionate football fans to take heart for this one game. It is only a one-match ban, after which they can again start trooping out to support the Super Eagles. The match against Sierra Leone will be without fans as a consequence of what happened after the match against the Ghanaians.

“Nonetheless, we want to urge all our football fans, and indeed all Nigerians, to support the team whichever way they can and pray for success against the Sierra Leoneans on Thursday.”

The Super Eagles take on the Leone Stars at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja in a Day 1 game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations starting from 5 pm on Thursday, 9th June. Four days later, they tackle ‘The Falcons and True Parrots’of São Tomé and Príncipe at the 45,000 –capacity Grand Stade de Agadir in southern Morocco.

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Sports

29 Days To AACT 2026: IBB Club Renewal Heralds Nigeria’s African Golf Showcase

Published

17 hours ago

October 4, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

With 29 days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Nigeria is stepping up preparations to host the continental women’s team golf championship, with the extensive rehabilitation of the IBB International Golf and Country Club in Abuja providing a major boost to the country’s readiness.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja Director of Communication AACT 2026, Kayode Adeniyi said the Club’s Board of Trustees has assured that the facility will be fully prepared to welcome golfers, officials and delegates from across Africa when the championship tees off on November 2.

Chairperson of the Board of Trustees, Hon. Justice Monica Dongban-Mensem, CFR, gave the assurance after inspecting ongoing rehabilitation works at the Club, expressing satisfaction with the progress recorded so far.

The IBB International Golf and Country Club has undergone extensive rehabilitation following its closure to regular golfing activities for more than a year. The intervention has focused on the golf course, selected holes, the clubhouse and other key facilities required to provide a befitting venue for the continental championship.

Justice Dongban-Mensem expressed confidence that the rehabilitation programme would be completed in time for the AACT, further reassuring stakeholders that the Club would be ready to host Africa’s leading female golfers.

Chairman of the Club’s Interim Management Committee, Peter Deshi, also expressed optimism over the progress of work, with regular golfing activities expected to resume ahead of the championship.

For the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the readiness of the host venue remains a critical component of the country’s preparations.

President of the Association, Dr. Lami Ahmed, has similarly expressed confidence in Nigeria’s preparations to stage a successful championship.

The 2026 AACT is scheduled to take place from November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf and Country Club, Abuja.

With the countdown now entering its final month, the rehabilitation of the Club is sending a strong message about Nigeria’s determination to deliver a successful championship and provide a worthy stage for Africa’s finest female golfers.

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