2014 World Cup Qualifier: Nigeria Sends Security Guarantee, Detailed Plan To FIFA

Ahead of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between the Super Eagles and Flames of Malawi in Calabar, the Nigeria Football Association and the Office of the Inspector-General of Police, Federal Republic of Nigeria have dispatched a detailed security guarantee and comprehensive plan to FIFA.

FIFA had written to the Nigeria Football Association on Monday to provide a letter of security guarantee from the appropriate authority in Nigeria as well as a detailed security plan for the qualifying match.

Head Coach of Malawi, Tom Saintfiet and Malawi, kicked against the choice of  U .J Esuene Stadium, in Calabar, as the venue for the crucial match citing security concerns.

In the letter of security guarantee signed on the IGP’s behalf by Deputy Inspector-General of Police Philemon I. Leha, the Nigeria Police assured “all stakeholders and lovers of football that the Force
will provide adequate security to ensure a conducive environment before, during and after the match between Nigeria and Malawi scheduled for 7th September, 2013 at the U. J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, Cross River State.”

The guarantee explained that apart from routine police lead escorts and back-up vehicles for both teams and match officials from point of arrival to point of departure, all hotels and training grounds to be used would be adequately fortified; anti-bomb squad would be deployed to sweep and maintain all hotels and training pitches; anti-bomb squad would sweep and secure the entire stadium along with Police elite squad (Police Mobile Force/Counter Terrorist Unit); adequate securitywould be provided on match day in the entire vicinity of the stadium and hotels of teams and match officials and; there would be police escorts for teams and match officials to and from stadium on match day, among other measures.

The letter also informed FIFA that ACP Gideon Akinsola, FIFA National Security Officer in Nigeria, would be on duty at the big match.

Next month’s game has assumed some importance as only two points separate the Super Eagles from the Flames at the top of Group F, with the Eagles needing only a draw to reach the 10-team final elimination
round and the Malawians needing a win.