Daily Trust (Abuja)

Nigeria: Soccer Fans Breach Airport Protocol to Receive Eagles

Soccer fans in their hundreds breached the protocol at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja, as they forced their way into the tarmac to welcome members of the victorious Super Eagles team.

The soccer fans thronged Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja as early as 10 am for the 1 pm event, to welcome the heroes on their return from South Africa, where they won the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday by beating Burkina Faso 1-0.

The incident happened when the anxious fans followed Alhaji Bala Mohammed, the FCT Minister and other officials of the football house, who were on their way to the tarmac.

As a result, the front door of the arrival hall of the international wing of the airport was broken, while a number of people were injured.

The Nigerian team, which was billed to arrive the airport at 1:00 pm, did not arrive as schedule until 3.25 p.m.

In loud ovations, the excited fans stood up for the champions, singing and dancing.

It was all dancing and singing in front of the international wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Airport, as the various musical and dancing groups entertained before the arrival of the team at the airport.

The huge crowd of mostly young men and women, despite the presence of security personnel, rushed to either have a hand shake or a hug the players and officials.

Some uniform men, including police, immigration and customs officers abandoned their duty to embrace the players as they walked through to the arrival hall.

The FCT Minister, Malam Bala Muhammed, on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, received the team, while the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) music band entertained the crowd.

