AFCON qualifier: Tickets will not be sold for Eagles, Lesotho clash

The Lagos state sports commission (LSSC) has announced that tickets for the match between Super Eagles and Lesotho will not be available to the public but an invited few in strict adherence to COVID-19 health protocol.  

TheCable had reported how the Confederation of African Football (CAF) gave the Teslim Balogun Stadium –venue for the Tuesday match — the green light to host only 30 percent of its 20,000 capacity with the caveat that coronavirus measures be taken.

In a statement on Wednesday, Sola Aiyepeku, executive chairman of LSSC, said the decision is in accordance with the directives given by CAF.

He also said the commission is collaborating with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to work out the list of people to be invited.

“CAF has uniquely given us permission to have a very limited crowd in the stadium for the game because of COVID-19 restrictions in the interest of public safety. As we continue to fight this deadly virus, I want to inform our fans that the game is not open to the general public. Tickets will not be sold,” the statement read.

“We are working with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on a strict selection process for the few fans that will be in the stands. We know most Lagosians really want to see the Super Eagles and we are hopeful that as we all continue to do our part in the effort to fight this pandemic, the Super Eagles will soon be able to play in Lagos before a full capacity crowd cheering them on. Unfortunately, it won’t be for this game.”

Super Eagles must first travel to Port Novo to face the Benin Republic on Saturday before returning for their first game in Lagos in 20 years.