THE 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Amavubi will take place in Kaduna despite security concerns.Kaduna, a major city in the northern part of Nigeria, has come under several attacks in recent months from the Boko Haram sect but the Nigeria Football Federation, (NFF) says it will not change its decision to take the important match to the state.The Secretary General of the Federation, Barrister Amadu Musa, who disclosed this in Abuja, said security challenges abound everywhere irrespective of the states and locations.He noted that Kaduna State government which indicated interest in hosting the crucial match has assured the Federation of security of fans, officials and players.“Security challenges are everywhere. It is not only in the states or locations you think events are taking place...but the state government has assured us of a hitch-free game”, Amadu noted.The NFF Secretary General noted that sponsorship, large spectators and a bid to take the match to the grassroots necessitated the choice of Kaduna as a venue.“We chose there after putting some logistics into consideration. Like: the level of spectators that will turn out to cheer the Super Eagles to victory and also to take the game closer to the grassroots.”He said vital matches must be played at the grassroots to draw the interests of youngsters in the game.“We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that we develop the game from the community level.”He insisted that “we must play some vital matches at the grassroots where some Nigerians who have interest in the game will admire the Eagles and bring out the real passion they have for the round leather game.”The Sports administrator said the second leg match was a must win for the Eagles to guarantee a place in the second round of the South Africa 2013 Nations cup qualifiers, stressing that there was no reason it should be politicised.The match against the Nigeria will take place on June 17th.In his post match comments national football team coach, Milutin Sredojevic said Nigeria should be prepared for surprise as the Wasps are ready to shock the Super Eagles in Abuja the same way Guinea bundled them out of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations held in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.Micho said his team out played the Super Eagles in the first leg and went ahead to score a goal which was disallowed by the referee. After missing this year’s Cup of Nations, Nigeria were looking forward to put to rest the disappointment by beating Rwanda in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kigali.However they only managed a goalless draw. Nigeria’s coach Steven Keshi later admitted that his side were lucky to return home without conceding.“You might say we were lucky mostly in the last five minutes not to have conceded a goal.”
