Nigerian football authorities on Friday suspended all Premier League matches at El Kanemi Warriors’ home ground because of attacks by Boko Haram militants.
El Kanemi play in Maiduguri, a stronghold of the Islamist group who were accused of staging new attacks in the city on Friday.
El Kanemi Warriors’ home game against Abia Warriors on Saturday was postponed. Abia had expressed fears about playing in Maiduguri and asked for the game to be moved.
Maiduguri is in Borno state which has been under a state of emergency since May because of Boko Haram attacks which have left thousands dead in recent years.
“We are constrained to put on hold all Premier League games in Maiduguri until further notice due to latest security intelligence from the area and the suspended games include this weekend’s match between El Kanemi Warriors and Abia Warriors,” said a Nigerian league statement.
El Kanemi chairman Mohammed Zana said he was disappointed by the decision but the team will now play their home games in Kano.
“We have some support in Kano and if we can no longer play in Maidiguri, we will play there,” Zana said.(AFP)
