The 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff between Nigeria and Ghana contained plenty of anticipation of the matchup between West African rivals and that tension exploded after Ghana clinched their spot in Qatar on the away goal tiebreaker. Following a 1-1 draw in the Nigerian capital of Abuja, Super Eagles supporters stormed the pitch at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium to vent their frustrations and destroy equipment. With many issues plaguing the country far beyond football, many Nigerians were placing their hopes on the Super Eagles to bring them some joy in the country’s most popular spot.
In a piece for New Frame, Oluwashina Okeleji details the pre-match preparations and great anticipation for the second leg encounter in Abuja, explaining why the atmosphere was so ripe for violence and the scenes that unfolded following Nigeria’s defeat.
