The National Sports Commission (NSC) has asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to relocate Nigeria’s Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The commission cited concerns about a reported Ebola outbreak in the Central African country.
Kola Daniel, Special Assistant on Media to the NSC Director-General, confirmed the request to LEADERSHIP. He said the commission wants the first leg moved from the TP Mazembe Stadium in Lubumbashi.
“We are waiting for the response of CAF until further decision can be taken by the leadership of NSC,” he said.
The NSC plans to hold a strategic meeting with relevant authorities on Monday. Daniel said the aim is to ensure the players do not fall victim to the disease. He added that the commission will consult the authorities on precautions before the team travels.
Outbreak Figures Unverified
The concern follows reports of a major Ebola outbreak in DR Congo. Figures cited in the inquiry put the outbreak at more than 9,800 cases and over 4,700 deaths since May. However, these numbers have not been independently verified. Public health authorities still need to confirm the outbreak’s location, timeline and scale.
Ebola is a severe and often fatal disease. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or other body fluids of an infected person, or through contaminated materials.
Fixture Details
The first leg is scheduled for Lubumbashi on November 13. The return leg will take place on November 17 in Ikenne, Ogun State. The winner of the tie will advance in the qualifying campaign.
The NSC has not announced any health-screening protocols, travel restrictions or other preventive measures. It has also not made a final decision on the team’s travel plans. The status of the proposed venue change remains uncertain until CAF responds.
