11th October, 2011
After Egypt pulled out as host of next month’s final qualifiers for the 2012 Olympics, Nigeria looks good to host the qualifying playoffs.
Spokesman for the Egypt Football Association (EFA), Azmi Megahed, informed that the government asked that the country pull out of staging the competition, which is to roll off from 26 November, for security reasons.
With Nigeria first indicating interest to host the event before Confederation of African Football, CAF, gave it to Egypt, indications are that the country may be considered for hosting by the Africa football governing body.
“Authorities in Egypt requested not to stage the tournament on home soil because it is equivalent to the timing of the parliamentary elections, which require massive security,†disclosed Megahed.
Egypt security has also been questioned following a sectarian clash that left over a score of people dead this week.
The qualifiers will produce three automatic qualifiers for next year’s football event at the London Olympics.
Algeria have also been tipped to host the tournament.