FIFA WCQ: Tear gas fired as Nigeria fans smash up stadium following World Cup exit
Nigerian supporters stormed the pitch at the Abuja National Stadium after a 1-1 draw at home to Ghana meant they will not take part in the 2022 World Cup games in Qatar
Nigerian fans clashed violently with police while storming the pitch after their World Cup hopes were ended with a 1-1 draw at home to Ghana on Tuesday night
The Black Stars of Ghana ended Nigeria’s dream of becoming the first African country to qualify for four consecutive World Cups.
The Ghanaians secured a 1-1 draw in Abuja on Tuesday to progress to the World Cup based on the away goals rule — after holding Nigeria to a goalless draw in Kumasi last Friday.
Read: Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon book spots at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar
Thomas Partey’s opener in the 11th minute proved costly for the Eagles whose equalizer through William Troost-Ekong in the 22nd minute was not enough to salvage the tie.
However, following the final whistle, a crowd of irate fans stormed the pitch and damaged some of the stadium facilities.
In a now-viral video, the fans poured into the pitch from all sides, upturning the dugout while smashing its glasses in anger.
The vandalising crowd also carried out the act despite attempts by security operatives to stop them with teargas.
Aliko Dangote reportedly spent $1 million for the renovation of some parts of the 60,000 capacity stadium in August 2020.
