The Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) has apologised to the Nigeria Soccer Federation (NFF) over the poor situation of the pitch used for Nigeria’s 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau within the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
CAF has additionally reportedly banned the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau from internet hosting extra matches within the ongoing qualifying marketing campaign, based on OwnGoalNigeria.
Nigeria suffered their first defeat in Group L on September 29, with Franculino Djú, Mama Baldé and Álvaro Djaló scoring for Guinea-Bissau.
The poor situation of the pitch was observed earlier than the match. Tremendous Eagles coach Éric Chelle had additionally spoken concerning the floor after Nigeria’s coaching session on the stadium earlier than the sport.
Studies stated members of the Nigerian camp had been involved about attainable damage dangers from the pitch and suggested gamers to think about the scenario earlier than the match.
The situation of the taking part in floor was reportedly additionally a priority for Guinea-Bissau officers and gamers.
CAF has now reportedly advised the NFF that the pitch was not in the identical situation when the stadium was inspected and authorized to host the match.
Guinea-Bissau had beforehand been pressured to play their residence matches exterior the nation due to issues with the stadium. After renovation work, the venue was authorized once more, however the pitch reportedly deteriorated earlier than Nigeria’s go to.
The reported ban means Guinea-Bissau must discover one other CAF-approved stadium for his or her remaining residence matches within the qualifiers.
Chelle, nonetheless, refused in charge the pitch for Nigeria’s defeat. The coach accepted duty for the end result and admitted that Guinea-Bissau had been the higher group on the day.
The defeat left Nigeria with three factors from two Group L matches, whereas Guinea-Bissau moved to 6 factors after successful their first two video games.
The Tremendous Eagles had began their marketing campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo however now face a harder problem as they appear to get well from the defeat in Bissau.
The three-0 end result stays unchanged, however the 24 de Setembro Stadium is reportedly not allowed to host Guinea-Bissau’s remaining residence fixtures within the qualifying marketing campaign.
