CAF Bars Journalists From Covering Nigeria, Sierra Leone AFCON Qualifier

Confederation of African Football, CAF has barred journalists from covering the 2022 Africa Cup of  Nations qualifying match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone

OpenLife Nigeria understands that the statement barring journalist from covering the match was made known by the Nigeria Football Federation’s spokesperson, Ademola Olajire.

In the statement titled, ‘AFCON Qualifier: CAF bars media, journalists from Nigeria, Sierra Leone match’, read in full,

”The Confederation of African Football has categorically stated that no journalists or supporters would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City for Friday’s 2022 AFCON qualifying match between the Super Eagles and the Leone Stars.

“In the guidelines communicated to the Nigeria Football Federation, CAF instructed, under Media Operations, that there would be no mixed zone, virtual press conference only if possible (media officers from both teams only), and that only the TV channels with the rights will be allowed flash interviews.

“Also, only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match.

“The above puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.”

This online news medium learnt that the statement also quoted the NFF’s Director of Competitions, Bola Oyeyode, as saying that “only individuals accredited by the NFF would be allowed inside the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium for the Day 3 qualifier, which will kick off at 5pm Nigeria time.”