• At Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja
Chairman of the Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, (SWAN) FCT Chapter, Bunmi Haruna has thumbs up the Super Eagles for earning a positive first-leg result in their Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers against Ghana just as he urged NFF to mobilise Nigerians to fill the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the return leg on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles played out a goalless draw with host Black Stars of Ghana at the Baba Yara stadium, Kumasi, Ghana on Friday night. And both teams are expected to square up again on Tuesday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja for the decisive final leg.
Comrade Bunmi Haruna in his reaction after the game, called on the Super Eagles to rise to the yearnings of Nigerians by defeating the Black Stars to grab the ticket to Qatar.
“Super Eagles should make their return after 10 years to the country’s number one stadium, a befitting and triumphant one by trouncing the Black Stars and confirm Nigeria’s flag to be hoisted in Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup finals.
“We know it is not yet over and that is why we are urging the Eagles to finish the job in Abuja and the NFF to mobilise fans for the game if possible by throwing the gates open. We have to give the Super Eagles maximum support to win in Abuja” the SWAN boss quipped.
“Let me also use this opportunity to commend the federal government, through the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare who worked hard to ensure that the Eagles play at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the first time in over 10 years.
“The refurbishing of the stadium has brought football and social life back to the capital city and we know the Eagles will crown that effort by defeating Ghana on Tuesday.
“We also want to commend the NFF for overseeing a hitch-free game in the first leg and encourage them to provide the team with all needed support for the decisive second leg,” the Kogi State-born sportscaster stated.
He continued: “We saw how the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi was filled up by the Ghanaians and their Cheering boosted their team. There is need for Nigerians to create an unbearable atmosphere for the Ghanaians come Tuesday. This will be achieved if the fans are allowed to come in free to cheer their darling Super Eagles.
“We urge the Sports Minister, who has on various occasions demonstrated that he has listening ears, to throw open the gates, so that the 60,000 capacity stadium could be filled up by Nigerians.
“As media partners, we will continue to support our team and ensure that they not only qualify for the World Cup, but also perform well,” Bunmi concluded.
