NFF to Deny Unvaccinated Journalists Access to Eagles Training

Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has made the possession of COVID-19 vaccination cards mandatory for journalists wishing to cover the Super Eagles training session at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

The pronouncement, that was conveyed in an invitation by the team’s media officer, Babafemi Raji, on Monday, and which comes into effect same day, has received bashing from reporters who consider it as impromptu.

The statement urged journalists to, in addition to a valid means of identification and masks, present their COVID-19 vaccination cards or a recent negative PCR test result in the past 72 hours, in strict compliance with COVID-19 protocols before they will be allowed to access the stadium’s gate.

“We appreciate you for positively projecting our darling team, the Super Eagles.

“There will be full media access to the team’s training today, 3rd January, 2022 from 5pm. Training venue is the Moshood Abiola Stadium, FCT Abuja. There will also be 15 minutes access to all players and officials after the training.

“In strict adherence to COVID-19 protocols, everyone will present their COVID-19 vaccination cards or PCR Test result (72hrs maximum) at the gate,” the statement said.

The Super Eagles, who will be campaigning at the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon from January 9, will open their account against Egypt in Group D in Garoua on January 11.