Police officers walk past the school in Chibok, northeast Nigeria where more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted by Boko Haram Islamists on April 21, 2014/AFP FILE
Nigeria’s game against France – which saw the Super Eagles’ lose their first World Cup knockout game in 16 years – came a day after gunmen stormed church services in four villages near Chibok in Borno state, where Boko Haram kidnapped more than 200 schoolgirls in April.
Police had urged fans to stay at home to watch the tournament amid a growing insurgency by Islamist militants across north and central Nigeria.
“I defy security fears to come and watch the Eagles play, for my passion for football and love of my darling national team,” said Kabir Usman, a fan from Kano, Nigeria’s second city, sharing the defiance of crowds gathered in front of big screens across the country.
In Abuja – hit last week by a shopping centre bombing which killed more than 20 people – fans in a downtown bar said they wouldn’t let the threat of further bloodshed stop them supporting their team, which lost the game 2-0.
“We don’t have (electricity) in my house and that’s why I decided to take the risk. I believe nothing will happen to me here,” said fan Mba John.
Like many public places across the country, the bar had beefed up security for Monday’s game, banning drinkers from taking bags in with them.
“If they kill me, as long as Nigeria wins, that won’t be a big deal,” said supporter Awa Ezie.
The match against France came a day after militants tossed explosives at several churches, torched buildings and fired on worshippers as they tried to flee, according to witnesses.
“So far we have 54 dead,” said a Borno state official, who requested anonymity as he was not authorised to discuss casualties with the media.
Federal government spokesman Mike Omeri confirmed on Monday that “a number of people were killed” but said he had not received an official casualty report and could not discuss details.
Locals have accused the military of ignoring distress calls made after the attack began, leaving worshippers defenceless, something Omeri denied.
“I was… reliably informed that the military and the airforce were there. Maybe a little late, but they made it there,” he said.
A Chibok leader, who also requested anonymity, challenged the government’s version of events, saying the military “did not attempt go” to the scene of the attack.
“Anybody who tells you the military went there is lying,” he said.
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