NFF Releases Huge Statement Over Reports of Ban on Stadium and Claims That VAR Was Stolen

• NFF says news that the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja was banned by FIFA is "fake news" that no communication was received
• There were rumours that the VAR equipment used for Nigeria vs Ghana game was also stolen, but the Nigeria football house denied the allegations
• The NFF general secretary Mohammed Sanusi stated that although it is painful to miss out on the World Cup, Nigerians should desist from spreading false reports

The Nigeria Football Federation has 'decried a stream of incorrect reports' being peddled in sections of the media, in connection with Tuesday’s FIFA World Cup playoff match between Nigeria and Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

NFF general secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said on Friday that the football house is alarmed at the influx of incorrect reports, mostly in the social media.

There had been claims that FIFA has banned the Moshood Abiola Stadium until further notice, while reports also have it that the VAR equipment used for Nigeria vs Ghana game was also stolen.

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In a fresh statement by the NFF, Sanusi said:

“There is no truth to the reports that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja has been banned for any length of time by FIFA. It is a concoction by some persons with fertile imagination. The NFF has not received any such communication from either FIFA or CAF.

“There has also been an outlandish report that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) equipment that was installed for the match had been stolen.

"We initially thought this was an April Fool prank but it is alarming that some media outlets are taking it serious. Nothing of such happened.

"The VAR equipment remains intact and has been returned to the FIFA office in Zurich, Switzerland by Sebastian Runge, FIFA’s Head of Technology.”

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Meanwhile, Sports Brief earlier reported that Ghana and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has reacted for the first time since guiding Ghana to its fourth FIFA World Cup appearance.

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Partey came up clutch for the Black Stars when his pile driver from the edge of the box was more than enough to qualify Ghana for the 2022 World Cup on the away goal rule.

Since his heroics on Tuesday, Thomas has voiced a heartwarming message to Ghanaians while gearing up for the biggest sporting festival on the face of the earth.