No Life Lost In Stadium Stampede – Akwa Ibom Govt

No life was lost after a stampede at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo during the Nigeria vs Zambia World Cup Qualifier match on Saturday, the Akwa Ibom State Government has said.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Charles Udoh, on Sunday, the government dismissed reports alleging that at least six people died from the incident.

The statement however confirmed that people sustained varying degrees of injury in the stampede.

“There was a rush by spectators who arrived the venue after the match had started, trying to gain entrance into the stadium which led to a few of them sustaining minor injuries.

“There were nine people injured during the incident and all of them were taken to the hospital for treatment while no life was lost. This much was confirmed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer and the Commissioner for Health.”

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, popularly called the Nest of Champions, was filled on Saturday as Nigerians came out en masse to support the Super Eagles in the crucial game.

The Eagles defeated Zambia 1-0 in the game and secured their ticket to the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a second half strike by Alex Iwobi.