This decision was made known in a statement released by the NFF’s Director of Media and Communications on Thursday. The fixture will now be played at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, just two days before the Super Eagles will host Guinea Bissau in a 2023 AFCON qualifier at the same venue.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, had previously designated the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan as the home base of the U-23 team in their quest to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the NFF has decided to move the game to Abuja.
The head coach of the U-23 team, Salisu Yusuf, had called up 30 players currently training in Abuja. The winner of the two-legged tie between Nigeria and Guinea will advance to the finals of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to be hosted by Morocco in June.
The tournament in Morocco will also determine the nations that will participate in the men’s football event of the Paris 2024 Olympics. As a result, the stakes are high for Nigeria and Guinea, who will be looking to secure their spot in the tournament.
The decision to move the game from Ibadan to Abuja has raised a few eyebrows, with some fans questioning the timing of the decision. However, the NFF has assured fans that the move was made in the team’s best interest and to ensure that they have the best possible chance of winning the game.
In the statement released by the NFF, they said: “The decision was taken after due consideration of factors, including the convenience of the teams, and to ensure that the Nigerian boys have the best possible environment to prepare for the task ahead.”
The NFF has also assured fans that they will provide all necessary support to the team to ensure they are adequately prepared for the game. With the game just a few days away, fans of the Olympic Eagles will be hoping that the team can secure a victory and book their place in the finals of the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.