WCQ: 20,000 fans in Abuja receive free tickets ahead of World Cup playoff

Nigeria Sports Ministry and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have purchased up to 20,000 tickets for fans ahead of the Super Eagles’ 2022 World Cup playoff against Ghana on Tuesday.

The ministry and NFF attempting to increase support for the Super Eagles by filling the Moshood Abiola Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 60,000.

CAF on Sunday approved NFF’s request to have a full house to create an intimidating atmosphere in the must-win game for Super Eagles.

“We will buy 20,000 of the tickets and give to fans at designated centres on Monday and Tuesday morning. We want to ensure maximum support for the Super Eagles by filling up the stands.

“The NFF have done well to secure maximum capacity of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for the match. This move will guarantee us a full house,” Sports Minister Sunday Dare said.

The first leg, played in front of a large crowd at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, ended 0-0.

Nigeria need an outright victory to secure one of five spots to represent Africa in Qatar while Ghana will qualify with a win or score draw.

Nigeria are attempting to qualify for a fourth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall, while Ghana, who qualified in 2006, 2010 and 2014, are hoping to return to the tournament after failing to qualify for the 2018 championships in Russia.