Super Eagles May 27 friendly against DR Congo under threat following outbreak of ebola virus

NIGERIA'S proposed friendly game against the Democratic Republic of Congo due to take place in Port Harcourt on May 27 is under threat following the outbreak of Ebola in the central African country over the last week.

As part of Nigeria's World Cup plans, the Super Eagles are due to play England, DR Congo, and the Czech Republic. However, the match against the Congolese is now under threat and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is considering other options as the spread of the virus has put the game under question.

Following an outbreak of the deadly ebola virus in Congo DR with 19 suspected cases in the last one month resulting in 16 confirmed cases, Nigeria has reacted by tightening security at several entry points. Visitors from Dr Congo will subsequently be seriously screened before entering Nigeria.

Health minister Professor Isaac Adewole said: “We will be screening incoming passengers, particularly passengers from the DR Congo and neigbouring countries. We will also ensure we step up all activities screening people coming in so that we will not be caught unawares.

 “The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control will also consider sending a team to the DR Congo as part of building capacity for managing the outbreak. We want to assure Nigerians that the federal government is concerned about the outbreak and will do everything possible to keep the country safe.”

For the forthcoming game, the expected squad players will no doubt contain those  who are based in the country, which means they could also be carriers of the deadly virus which is contagious in nature. Last time out, the virus found its way into Nigeria through a Liberian diplomat who was coming into the country on an official assignment and the federal government does not want to risk another similar scenario hence a ban on visitors from DR Congo might be considered.