Super Eagles
FG shuts offices ahead of normal closing time for Super Eagles/Ghana match in Abuja
Government has directed all federal civil servants in Abuja to vacate offices by 1 pm, on Tuesday, before the official closing hour.
The directive was contained in a memo signed by Dr. Ngozi Onwudiwe, the Permanent Secretary (Service Welfare Office) on behalf of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation
According to the memo, the directive is informed by the need ‘to mobilise support for the Super Eagles ahead of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 playoff final battle against the Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The memo, which is addressed to all Permanent Secretaries, reads; “As you are aware, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will be meeting the Black Stars of Ghana in continuation of the 2022 FIFA World-Cup Qualifier, Playoff, (Return Leg).
“There is a need to mobilise support for the Nigerian Team. Consequently, I am directed to inform you that all offices will be closed at 1.00 pm on Tuesday, 29th March 2022.
“Permanent Secretaries are requested to give this circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result.”
Nigeria will play the reverse fixture of the FIFA World Cup Africa qualifier match against Ghana for one of the five tickets reserved for the continent ahead of the Qatar tournament, this year.
The first leg ended goalless draw with Nigeria needing an outright win to secure the ticket as the away goals rule applies.
The Super Eagles navigated through the group stages where they beat Cape Verde, Liberia, and the Central African Republic to reach the final stage of the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup.
Nigeria and Ghana took a cautious approach to the match, however, despite having more possession, Ghana could not break Nigeria’s resilient defence.
What could have swung the tie in Nigeria’s favour occurred in 77th minute when Moroccan centre referee, Rédouane Jiyed pointed to the spot for a penalty award as Ghana defender fell on the ball inside his 18-yard box under pressure from two Super Eagles attackers as the Black Stars was caught in possession following a short pass from his goal keeper
However, after the referee’s attention was called by VAR, a check saw him overturning the decision to the chagrin of midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo who was subsequently shown a yellow card for dissent.
Nigeria is now under pressure to secure victory as the second heads to the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, on Tuesday, as the away goals rule applies in this qualification stage.
In other results played last Friday, Egypt won at home against visitors, Senegal; Mali lost at home to Tunisia by a lone goal, while DR Congo; Morocco played out a 1: 1 draw in Kinshasa; Cameroon also lost at home to Algeria by a lone goal.
The reverse fixtures will also be played on Tuesday.
