UK: Ghana and Nigeria friendly called off
By Peterking Quaye – The International friendly between Ghana and Nigeria wass in serious doubt after riots in London spread to various cities of the English capital and has had to be called off.
Cleveland Kanu
The Black Stars of Ghana were scheduled to renew their rivalry with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in an international friendly to be played at Vicarage Road, Watford, London.
However, rioting has spread across London on a third night of violence, with unrest flaring in other English cities.
Nevertheless, Randy Abbey, a member of the Black Stars Management Committee had insisted there was no cause for alarm and urged Ghanaians to expect a memorable match.
An extra 1,700 police officers were deployed in London this morning, where shops were looted and buildings were set alight.
Birmingham, Liverpool, Nottingham and Bristol also saw violence.
Most of the players invited by both countries have arrived in London ahead of the epic encounter even though it was yet to be confirmed if the much awaited match would go ahead at 7 pm.
As a result of the riots public gatherings in London have been banned and the Ghana/Nigeria game which would definitely bring majority of the black community together was unlikely to come off.
Wednesday’s friendly between England and the Netherlands was also looking unlikely to go ahead after the Metropolitan police advised the postponement of two Carling Cup ties.
West Ham United versus Aldershot Town and Charlton versus Reading had to also be rearranged as violence spreads across England’s capital city.
The match between Charlton and Reading was also been postponed, while Crystal Palace’s clash with Crawley Town also looks set to be rearranged.
Police were yet to comment on whether the Wembley friendly, which is scheduled for Wednesday, will go ahead.
The British Prime Minister and the London Metropolitan police are set to meet at 12 pm today which would likely review the security concerns, if any, about the all-West African clash.
