Federal government declares half day so workers can get home and watch the Super Eagles

NIGERIAN workers have been given half the day off work today so they can go home and watch the Super Eagles who are playing in a World Cup play-off against the Black Stars of Ghana tonight.

With the winner of today's game going to the World Cup in November, the stakes are very high as everything rides on this match after the two sides played a 0-0 draw in the first leg last Thursday. To allow the fans get behind the team, the federal government has directed all its offices to close at 1pm today.

With civil servants and government employees of work at 1pm, other workers are expected to follow suit, shutting the economy down. An official circular was sent out to all government ministries, departments and agencies to ensure full compliance with the half-day directive.

This circular, dated March 28, was titled Fifa Qatar 2022 World Qualifier Between Nigeria and Ghana. It was issued on behalf of the head of service of the federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan by the permanent secretary, service welfare, Ngozi Onwudiwe.

Ms Onwudiwe said the permanent secretaries were requested to give the circular wide publicity to achieve the desired result. This evening's game kicks off at 6pm at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.