Ifeanyi Ubah FC wins Charity Cup in Horrible Abuja Pitch, Fans React
The highly anticipated Charity cup game between Nigeria Premier League winners, Rangers international and Federation Cup Champions Ifeanyi Ubah FC was overshadowed by the horrible state of the pitch at the Abuja National Stadium.
10-man Ifeanyi Ubah FC beat reigning NPFL champions to the Charity Cup title after overcoming the Antelopes 4-3 on penalties after regulation time had ended 0-0.
However, the main talking point was not the game, but the state of the pitch.
The match was to serve as the official kickoff game to a New NPFL season and hence a neutral ground was chosen to play host to the match. Sadly, a dilapidated Abuja National Stadium was chosen for the game, which was scheduled to kickoff by 4pm on Wednesday – the game kicked off by 4:30pm because the minister came late, but that’s besides the point.
The pitch at the Abuja National stadium is the embodiment of a failed Sports and football administration in the country.
This is the same Abuja National Stadium which was adjudged to be one of the best stadia in the continent when it completed in 2003 – today, officials are abandoning their offices in the stadium for fear of various reptiles (including dangerous snakes) which crawl freely around the premises.
Trust Nigerians, they went on twitter to vent their frustration. See best tweets below.
I guess @MBuhari just delegate incompetent people for duties & I know @SolomonDalung is no 1 Abuja stadium has just confirmed it @ELEGBETE1
— olayinka elebute (@yankiedudu) January 12, 2017
@RC1023FM @mightygeorgeng @omodia4real @koyero #ContinentalSports That Abuja Stadium na BIG embarrassment. Just waste of public funds.
— Aisha Atilola (@jiiresjewel) January 12, 2017
This is state of the Abuja Stadium where @Thenff Charity Cup is being played….Can Super Eagles play here? Shame! pic.twitter.com/ofBh6oxxKf
— Dumnodi Okonta (@mitchokonta) January 11, 2017
Dear .@SolomonDalung. You have lost focus. @thenff isn't your project. Stop chasing shadows, face your project. Look at the Abuja Stadium. pic.twitter.com/aA6D0zFkUo
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) January 11, 2017
That Abuja Stadium pitch…Hmmm.SMH, after spending so much to re-grass it.Again,poor maintenance culture highlighted Shame! @SolomonDalung
— tayOgunseye (@tayOgunseye) January 12, 2017
The minister should move his office into the Abuja Stadium. Let's see if It will be comfortable for him. @tolushotade @ifm923 @leyeaduloju
— Victor Owo (@owo747) January 12, 2017