– The Super Eagles of Nigeria returned to the country after their 2 – 1 away win to Zambia
– The delegation arrived at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport in Abuja amidst violence
– Unknown gunmen attempted to arrest Shehu Dikko who was part of the party to Zambia
The Super Eagles of Nigeria returned into the country on Sunday
night, October 9, amidst violence at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport where
fully armed unknown gunmen were waiting to arrest the League Management
Company (LMC) chairman Shehu Dikko.
Dikko was part of the delegation that led the Eagles to Ndola where
the Super Eagles defeated the Chipolopolo of Zambia 2 – 1.
Two men who were in mufti claiming to be police officers stated that
they were from the Jos police command, stressing that they have been
given the order to arrest Dikko who is also the Nigeria Football
Federation (NFF) vice chairman.
Our correspondent learnt that the acclaimed police officers failed
to present identity cards or warrants to back their presence at the
airport.
However, Dikko was said to be having a discussion with the Super
Eagles’ players, and all efforts by the security agents to arrest him
proved abortive.
The unknown men decided to shoot sporadically into the air when
journalists, NFF officials and members of the club owners accosted them.
The Super Eagles players were hurriedly ushered into their bus before being driven off for the safety of their lives.
“It was hell last night for us as these two men just appeared from
no where claiming they were police officers. They even threatened to
shoot us, and we said they should go ahead, but they later left after
shooting into the air,” a journalist told NAIJ.com.
The Super Eagles media personnel Toyin Ibitoye also confirmed the
incident, but quickly added that he was not at the scene when it
happened.
“Yes, but I was not around the place as I was at the place where we
were offloading our bags, but I was later told of what happened,” he to
NAIJ.com.
All players will now return to their respective clubs but will
return for the in November for their next game against the Desert Foxes
of Algeria who were held to a 1 – 1 draw by Cameroon.
Nigeria top CAF qualifying Group B with 3 points, followed by
Algeria and Cameroon who have one point each. Zambia are fourth with no
point.