The Senate on Wednesday opened investigation into the circumstances surrounding the failure of the Super Eagles from qualifying for the World Cup in Qatar in November despite huge funds by government, individuals and corporate bodies into the project.
The upper legislative chamber also reached a decision to probe the post match violence between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Kashimawo Abiola stadium.
The Senate consequently asked the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and the Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Sunday Dare to appear before it to provide explanations for Super Eagles failed bid and the post match violence.
The probe followed motion by Senator Michael Nnachi from Ebonyi State calling attention to the incident.
Recall that Nigeria national team, the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the FIFA 2022 Cup on away goals after a one all draw with Ghana in the encounter.
Nnachi noted that the violent reaction by irate football fans took place in the aftermath of the Nigeria vs Ghana qualifier leading to vandalisation of facilities in the stadium and the unfortunate death of a Zambian and FIFA-CAF anti-dopping medical officer.
The incident has become a subject of local and international media criticism with a lot of valuable facilities at the stadium destroyed, the extent of which was yet to be ascertained by the relevant government authority.
Also read: NFF to Name New Coaches for Super Eagles, Flying Eagles, Golden Eaglets
In his contribution, Senator Abba Moro (PDP-Benue) expressed disappointment at the incident, stressing that Nigerians vented their anger and frustration over the loss of the match on the physical stadium.
He said there is an urgent need for structural measures to be put in all stadiums across the country to prevent future occurrence of the ugly incident.
Senate subsequently mandated the Committee on Sports headed by Senator Obinna Ogba to conduct a comprehensive investigation into
the remote and immediate cause of the failure of the Super Eagles to qualify for 2022 World Cup.
Ogba and his Committee members are also to probe the vandalisation of facilities at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
The panel has four weeks to complete its investigation and revert to the Senate in plenary.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
