Eagles’, Lions’ friendly goes on despite terrorist attack in London

Match kicks off by 8.00 p.m.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) says the friendly match between the Super Eagles and Teranga Lions of Senegal slated for today at the Hive Stadium in London will hold despite a terrorist attack in the city yesterday.

A woman was killed on Westminster Bridge in central London in what police said was a terrorist incident yesterday afternoon. A police officer was also stabbed in the nearby Houses of Parliament by an attacker, who was shot dead by police, while a number of other people were hurt – some with “catastrophic” injuries.

The attacker struck several pedestrians as he drove a car across the bridge, before crashing it into railings.

There news of the terrorist attack in London, coming on the eve of the much talked about international friendly match between the Super Eagles and their Senegalese counterparts sent panic waves to officials of the NFF yesterday.

However, the Secretary General of the NFF, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi told The Guardian on phone that there was nothing to worry about, adding that the attack took place far away from the Crowne Plaza Hotel camp of the Super Eagles.

“I have spoken to NFF officials, who are already with the team in London and they said the attack took place far away from the camp and the stadium where the match will take place. So, there is nothing to worry about,” Sanusi, who is on his way to London, stated.

Meanwhile, Sanusi has urged Nigerians not to judge the team with the outcome of the match, saying the federation’s major concern was to ensure the coach assembled a formidable squad that would compete successfully against any team in future engagements.

“The result of the friendlies against Senegal and Burkina Faso would not be used to judge the coach,’’ he said.

The Super Eagles and Senegal, according to FIFA’s statistics, have met in 15 times, with Nigeria winning eight, while Senegal picked four victories with three matches ending in a draw.