The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has barred journalists from covering the AFCON qualifier between Nigeria and Sierra Leone at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.
The Super Eagles will host the Leone Stars on Friday in Benin and as journalists are preparing for the game, the sad news was dropped.
NFF Director of Communications, Demola Olajire while speaking with journalists on Monday morning made the revelation.
He said the decision not to allow journalists into the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium is in accordance with CAF guidelines.
Olajire also noted that it will also be impossible for journalists not to also cover the Super Eagles training sessions ahead of the game.
Theunionnigeria.com also learnt from the NFF spokesperson that the news conference for the game will be held online in Benin City.
Despite ban lifted on contact sports by the federal government, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 had told the Edo State government to play the game behind closed doors.
Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki had planned to throw the gate of the newly refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia stadium open for fans.
However, with the directives from the PTF, no supporters including journalists will be allowed into the stadium.
The Super Eagles will host West African neighbours Sierra Leone on matchday three of the qualifiers.
Sierra Leone are bottom in Group L on one point after two games while the Eagles are top with six points.
In another development some players have arrived Nigeria ahead of the game.
Although they are yet to reach their Benin City camp buy players like Ahmed Musa, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho, Oghenekaro Etebo and Maduka Okoye are already in country.
