Daily Independent Online.
*
Monday, July 26, 2004.
NITEL FC supporters go on rampage
The ugly side of Nigerian football reared
its head on Friday night as supporters of First Division NITEL FC violently
assaulted three journalists who were covering their game.
KickOff’s Colin Udoh and AIT's Alfred
Okoligwe, along with his cameraman, were set upon by the irate fans after their
Division One match against Bussdor United FC.
NITEL were awarded a dubious penalty after
80 minutes after the visitors had taken a 65th minute lead. A knee-level
corner-kick came sailing into the box and Anslem Anyanwu went head first for
it, clattering into a Bussdor defender. Referee Okon pointed to the spot, to
the disbelief of neutrals. Justice appeared to have been served when Akeem
Abdulrazaq shot the ball into the
stands.
But to the consternation of the Bussdor
side, the referee ordered the kick to be retaken. And this time, Akeem made no
mistake. Immediately after, one of the NITEL fans climbed up to the camera
stand and demanded for the tape from the AIT cameraman. His demand was turned
down.
With seconds left to play, Okon again
awarded another penalty to the home side, which was again converted, this time
by Victor Ezeana.
Immediately the final whistle went, Udoh,
Okoligwe and his cameraman were set upon by the irate fans who were bent on
getting the tape by all means. The AIT camera was destroyed, all three
journalists were punched, kicked and hit with all manner of things with
Okoloigwe suffering the brunt of the attacks after curling into a foetal
position to protect his camera.
Only the intervention of the Lagos SWAN
chairman Frank Ilaboya, and the Lagos State FA chairman saved what could have
turned into a real fatal situation as the policemen stood by and watched
without lifting a finger, despite the cries for help.
Both journalists had their cell phones and
other valuables stolen as their pockets were picked during the gang-beating.
All three were immediately taken in an ambulance to the General Hospital where
Okoloigwe was treated for a suspected broken rib.
