RIOT!! AS NIGERIA LOOSES AGAINST GHANA

How The Vandalization and Pitch Invasion By Angry Fans Might Affect Nigeria's Football Negatively

News Hub Creator

Mar 30, 2022 6:55 AM

The aftermath of Nigeria failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup has left a sour taste in the mouth of fans and the citizens. Shortly after the game, angry fans stormed the pitch and some resulted in vandalising the stadium's facilities. 

This article takes a look at the consequences of the actions of the angry mob.

Private Investors Could Be Discouraged

With this show of shame, how will foreign investors be safe and sure that their investment won’t be affected if something happens in Nigeria? This behaviour pursues investors and makes Nigerian sporting institutions unsuitable for investment.

For instance, some people might be unaware that this stadium was just recently renovated by Aliko Dangote. Dangote is a member of the private sector. If he sees a stadium he just spent money on, that just played its first match since its renovation, how will he feel? Will he be encouraged to pour more funds only for it to be destroyed?

Many Nigerians complain of the low quality and poor facilities in the Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL), but they fail to realise how violent actions like these goes a long way in deterring potential investment from the country's football structure.

This is partly the reason why almost all football clubs in Nigeria is owned by state governments. Only a handful of clubs are owned by private individuals in Nigeria.

Poor Image of the Country

Violent actions like this portray the country in a bad light. Some people might think this is trivial, but scenarios like this can jeopardize the migration goals of some people. People might want to get visas into another country but actions such as this might put the country's image at stake and make the citizens look like people who result in violence when things don't go their way. Of course, a host country wouldn't want a potentially violent foreigner in their country.

Damages Our Public Perception

Asides from people trying to attain visas, this might affect the perception of people towards Nigerians. Many Nigerians report discrimination from foreign nationals when they learn of their nationality. Scenarios like this only tend to worsen such stereotypes and prejudice.

We Could Be Fined

For such violent conduct, football governing bodies such as FIFA and CAF could fine Nigeria for its inability to maintain security, law and order in our stadium.

Everyone should try and maintain their cool even when they are angry. Damaging such properties will take us nowhere as another batch of funds would be required to repair the vandalised properties.