Nigerian soccer supporters assault the pitch in protest over their country’s exclusion from the 2022 World Cup

Nigerian police personnel used tear gas to remove hundreds of enraged supporters who stormed the pitch and went on a rampage on Tuesday after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2022 Soccer World Cup.

Outraged fans swarmed the field of the capital’s sold-out 60 000-capacity stadium after Ghana surprised the host team by forcing a 1-1 draw to win the African playoff on away goals and end Nigeria’s chances of competing in the World Cup later this year.

Some supporters destroyed seats while others screamed, “Pinnick must go!” Pinnick must go!!” referring to Amaju Pinnick, head of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

Tuesday’s match marked the first time since October 2011 that the Nigerian football team played in MKO Abiola stadium, which underwent a $1 million renovation spearheaded by Africa’s richest man Aliko Dangote.

According to Nigerian publication Punch, prior to taking to the field, Super Eagles fans threw objects at the Ghanaian players after the final whistle.

Ghana will join Morocco, Tunisia, Senegal and Cameroon as the five African nations participating at the global showpiece later this year.