Nigeria fans storm pitch in anger after World Cup qualification failure

 

 

After angry Nigeria fans invaded the ground following a 1-1 draw with Ghana, police were forced to fire tear gas to control the crowd.

 

When the final whistle blew and it was clear that Ghana had progressed on away goals, Nigeria’s dreams of qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar later this year were soon dashed.

Fans flocked to the pitch and surrounding surroundings to express their displeasure at the team’s unsuccessful qualifying effort.

Those who remained in the grandstand watched in astonishment as dugouts were pulled from the ground and different things were thrown at players on both sides as they attempted to flee down the tunnel to the changing rooms.

As officials attempted to quiet the swelling number of pitch invaders, social media quickly displayed images of advertising boards being damaged and skirmishes between supporters and police.

In order to manage the tumultuous circumstances in Abuja, police were obliged to fire tear gas onto the pitch.

 

After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, it was all to play for, and Arsenal’s Thomas Partey gave Ghana the perfect start by scoring the first goal.

Nigeria came level with William Troost-penalty Ekong’s kick, but the away goals rule meant that once Partey scored, Nigeria had to go and win the game, which they failed to achieve.

Ghana lost out on the previous World Cup in Russia, so this is a chance for them to make amends.

It will be the first time since 2006 that Nigeria’s Super Eagles have failed to qualify for FIFA’s showpiece tournament.

Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon will join Ghana as Africa’s representatives in Qatar.