NFF allays fears, as anxiety mounts over security in Niger Republic

AHEAD of the U-17 African Youth Championship billed to kick off in the Republic of Niger next week, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has debunked speculation making the rounds that there might be possible security break down in the tiny West African country due to the activities of the Islamic sect, Boko Haram, in the country.

  Cable news network, Aljazeera, has repeatedly reported that the Islamic sect has been carrying out attacks in the suburbs and surrounding borders of Niger, thereby creating panic among the natives. But the NFF General Secretary, Musa Amadu, told The Guardian Sunday that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not sent any formal information on the security situation in the Republic of Niger.

  He, however, admitted that Niger has been facing some security challenges, saying that the situation would not affect the African Youth Championship. 

  Amadu added that the federation would not relent in monitoring the situation with CAF and the host nation, stressing that the priority of the board was to ensure that all Nigerian officials and players in the party to Niger Republic are safe. 

 “The security situation in Niger Republic will not affect the African U-17 Championship. You should understand that the incessant attacks by Boko Haram happen around border towns of Niger Republic, which it shares with Nigeria, Chad and Benin Republic. I don’t think this situation will affect the Eaglets’ participation in the championship. NFF as a body is monitoring every situation in Niger. CAF at this moment has not sent any information to the NFF. Our players and officials are safe, so unnecessary panic and fear should not be created at this point in time,’’ he said.