Nigerian Police Affirm Students' Protest Won't Disrupt Super Eagles' World Cup Tie

Students in various Nigerian universities plan a protest against the continued closure of their schools in Abuja on Sunday, when Nigeria will host Tunisia in a crucial World Cup qualifier, but the police have assured the public that this will not disrupt the match.

The students are demonstrating against the federal government's withdrawal from talks with striking university lecturers over a review of their working conditions.

Abuja police chief, Wilson Inalegwu, told reporters that his command will ensure that law and order is maintained on match day.

"We will provide effective policing at the stadium. Any person who decides to take the laws into his hands will not be spared. The students should therefore be orderly and work within the laws," Inalegwu warned.

"We are also working round the clock to ensure that what happened in the World Cup qualifier against Kenya in June, when some spectators overwhelmed the security men and forcefully gained entry to the stadium, does not repeat itself."

The police chief announced that as part of the control measures, tickets for the match against Tunisia will not be sold at the stadium and on match day.

The Abuja police will also use this game to ascertain its readiness for the FIFA Under-17 World Cup, which Nigeria will host from October 24. The Abuja National Stadium will stage the opening match of the tournament as well as the final.

Samm Audu, Goal.com