Despite government assistance, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the World Cup, according to the Senate’s Committee on Sports and Youth Development.
Sunday Dare, the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, was also summoned by the Senate at its plenary regarding the vandalism of the Moshood Abiola Stadium on March 29.
According to NAN, this was confirmed in a statement made by the Senate.
What the lawmakers had to say
The senate also summoned Amaju Pinnick, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), as well as other organizations involved in the stadium’s upkeep.
Senator Michael Nnachi raised a point of order, prompting the decision to invite the minister and others (PDP-Ebonyi)
The lawmaker said, “Violent reaction by irate fans reportedly took place in the aftermath of the Nigeria vs Ghana qualifier leading to vandalisation of facilities at the stadium and the unfortunate death of Zambian CAF official, Joseph Kabungo.
“The national stadium was jam-packed with highly expectant Nigerian fans throughout the controversial match and the alleged violent reaction of those fans to the outcome of this match has become a subject of local and international media criticism.
“A lot of valuable facilities at the stadium were destroyed but the extent of destruction is yet to be determined by the relevant government authority.
“There is no gainsaying that the destruction will cause the government of Nigeria several millions of naira to either replace or effect repairs.
“Apart from several unidentified football fans who were injured as a result of this incident, the death of Dr Joseph is a huge loss to the global football community.”
Senator Abba Moro, who also supported the motion, said “It is sad that Nigerians vented their anger and frustration on the physical stadium.
“There is an urgent need for this Senate, if possible, to intervene to see that our stadiums across Nigeria are properly structured and made in such a way that future occurrence or fans invading the pitch or destroying the stadium will be prevented.”
