London riots: Nigeria-Ghana friendly cancelled

Super Eagles player Yakubu Ayegbeni (R) fights for the ball with Ghana's Ibrahim Ayew (L) on January 28, 2010 at the November 11 stadium in Luanda during their semi final match at the Africa Cup of Nations CAN 2010. Ghana won 1-0. Photo: REUTERS

Security fears have forced the organisers of today‘s scheduled friendly match between Nigeria and Ghana in London.

The timing of the match coincided with a tense period in the United Kingdom, which has been rocked by thre nights of riots across some major cities.

The match was scheduled for Tuesday night at Watford‘s Vicarage Road Stadium but had to be called off.

Earlier today, the scheduled international friendly between England and Netherlands as well as four Carling Cup games were called off for the same reason.

A staement released by Hertfordshire Police reads, ”The planed friendly betwen Nigeria and Ghana at Watford FC tonight (August 9) has been cancelled as a precaution due to potential demands on Hertfordshire Constabulary as a result of what is happening in London.

”The decision was not taken lightly and was done in full consultation with the club. We hope those fans who had been due to attend the game will understand the reasons why. Any fans who had been planning to travel are being asked not to come to Watford.

”In relation to tickets, please visit the Watford FC website where details will be announced in due course.”

An event organiser had said earlier in the day that the Nigeria-Ghana match was due to go ahead as a significant police presence would not be required, but the Ghana FA has now confirmed the game will not take place.

”We have just been informed by the match organisers about the latest decision, calling off today‘s friendly with Nigeria at Watford ,” Ghana FA official, Randy Abbey was quoted by ESPN as saying.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Football Association has said the Nigeria-Ghana friendly will now be played on October 11 at the same venue in London, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

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