CAF Orders Restrictions Of Journalists For Nigeria, Sierra Leone Qualifier

Nigerian sports writers and broadcasters are bound to face torrid time to cover this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles are Leone Stars of Sierra Leone, as the continent’s soccer governing body has issued restrictions of media coverage of the game in Benin City. BSNSports.com.ng reports that, with less than a week to go before the encounter holds this Friday at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in the Edo State capital, Confederation of African Football (CAF) directed that no journalists or supporters would be allowed inside the arena. However, the communications department of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Monday clarified that only accredited journalists would be allowed into the stadium for the match; though CAF’s guidelines under Media Operations further stated that there would be no mixed zone. CAF, though, hinted that there would be an allowance for virtual press conference for media officers from both teams alone, while only television channels with official rights will be allowed flash interviews. NFF’s director of competitions, Bola Oyeyode said only accredited individuals would be allowed inside the stadium for the Day 3 qualifier, which will kick off at 5pm, while only photographers of participating teams would be allowed at the match. An observer, however, concluded that this puts to rest all previous speculations regarding having spectators at the match venue, and whether members of the media would be allowed into the arena.