Confronted with the uncertainty of qualifying for the Morocco 2014 Africa Nations Cup and to ensure that the Super Eagles lack no support in recording an outright victory over visiting Falcons of Sudan on Wednesday, the Nigeria Football Federation has decided to throw the gate open to enable the residents of Abuja and environs come out massively for the crucial game.
The federation had pegged the gate-taking at N200 for popular stand and N3,000 for the VIP before the Eagles suffered a loss in Khartoum at the weekend.
The NFF had even printed tickets and distributed to some selling centres at the Old Parade Ground, Wuse Market and the Abuja National Stadium had to shelved the Idea to ensure that Eagles don’t lack support.
The Eagle Online gathered that the Glass House had no option than to comply to the directives from the Sports Minister and the National Sports Commission to throw the gates open, arguing that gate-takings would stop many from coming out to support Eagles.
A staff in the marketing department of the federation, who confirmed the directive and decision, noted that the federation saw reasons with the directive, stressing that the fans may decide to shun the tie against Sudan following the Eagles dismal performance during the first leg in Khartoum.
The staff said: “We are afraid of a show of apathy from Abuja fans, following the loss the Eagles recorded in last weekend’s game in Sudan.
“For this reason, we have decided to throw the stadium open for fans.
“We are not even impressed with the response so far with the prices of the tickets.
“With insignificant number of people who have indicated their intension to buy the ticket, it will make no sense going ahead with the decision to sell the tickets for the match.
“So we believe that the best option to attract the fans would be to throw the stadium open.”