Sports
Vandalization Of Moshood Abiola Stadium: Investigative Committee Submits Report
By Joel Ajayi
The Presidential Investigative Committee on the vandalism of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Monday submitted its report to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.
In his submission, the Chairman of the Committee, DIG Sanni Mohammed (Rtd) thanked the Federal Government through the Minister for finding the committee members worthy of the assignment, stating the Committee adhered strictly to the terms of reference and did its utmost to make far-reaching recommendations.
The Chairman revealed that in the course of their assignment, the Committee undertook a physical inspection of the Stadium, and went through its investigation adopting standard best practices. He advised that in subsequent committees of similar jurisdiction, the terms of reference should include powers to investigate “any other incidental matter relating to the subject matter”.
Throwing some light on the Committee’s recommendations, he stated thus, “One of our key recommendations is that protocol and security officials should be involved in the planning stage of future events or tournaments while the sale of bottled water and canned drinks should be banned within the precincts of the Football pitch as they can be weaponized,” DIG Mohammed (Rtd) emphasized.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar went down memory lane to narrate how the unfavorable outcome of the Nigeria-Ghana World Cup qualifier match led to the vandalism of parts of the Stadium which necessitated the setting up of the investigative Committee. He expressed optimism that the report will assist the Ministry in preventing future recurrence.
The Minister in his response after receiving the report thanked the Committee for the extensive nature of their work which he stated is very impressive. He promised full implementation of the report, whilst emphasizing its recommendations with serving as a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Ministry and NFF in planning for future events.
Restating his resolve to sanction the culprits of the vandalism, Dare assured that where they are identified in the report, the full weight of the law will be brought upon them to serve as a deterrent. The Minister though regretted the fine imposed on Nigeria as a result of the vandalism, expressed satisfaction that the Stadium was not banned as it is billed to play host to Nigeria’s first game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in early June.
Sports
Drogba, Amuneke, Eguavoen Lead African Legends’ Arrival in Lagos
Joel Ajayi
With just one day to the much-anticipated Legends of Africa Football Game, Ivorian football icon Didier Drogba has arrived in Lagos, joining an impressive assembly of former African internationals already in the city ahead of Sunday’s star-studded encounter.
Drogba’s arrival further heightens anticipation for the game, which will bring together some of the continent’s most celebrated football figures at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos.
Also in Lagos are Nigerian football greats Mobi Oparaku, Emmanuel Amuneke, Emmanuel Babayaro, Garba Lawal, Austin Eguavoen and Mutiu Adepoju, alongside other members of the legendary Super Eagles generations of 1994 and 1996.
The African contingent also features distinguished names including Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, Senegal’s El-Hadji Diouf, Ghana’s Stephen Appiah and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song, among other former international stars.
The excitement will extend beyond the legends’ reunion, with popular Nigerian entertainers and celebrities preparing for a special Celebrity Match as part of the event. Yhemolee, Sheggz, Jeriq, Teddy A and Charles Okocha are among the personalities set to feature in the celebrity fixture, scheduled to begin at 1:30pm.
The Celebrity Match will form part of a wider programme of activities designed to give fans a full day of football, entertainment and celebration before the main legends’ fixture, which kicks off at 5pm. Gates open at 1:30pm.
Organized by Toptier Sports Management in collaboration with Afreximbank and CANEX as part of CANEX WKND 2026, the game will feature 15 Nigerian legends taking on 13 African icons in a celebration of the players whose achievements helped shape the history of football on the continent.
Beyond the match, the programme includes a football clinic involving 500 young players, entertainment and special recognition for the heroes of African football.
The Legends of Africa Football Game promises a memorable gathering of football royalty, bringing together generations of fans to celebrate the enduring legacy of the continent’s finest players.
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