LONDON — The friendly international between Ghana and Nigeria has been called off following several nights of violence in London.
Authorities in Watford, where the football game had been due to take place, said they were unable to police the match.
Officers from other parts of the UK have been drafted in to help London’s Metropolitan Police. The Ghana Football Association (GFA) said it had been informed of the decision on Tuesday afternoon.
“Due to concerns regarding policing, the organisers of the game have advised that the fixture cannot be hosted,” the GFA said on its website.
Watford FC, whose Vicarage Road ground had been due to host the game, said more details about refunds for ticket-holders would be published shortly.
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia said he was disappointed the game had been called off , but said the decision was understandable.
“We were looking forward to playing this game, and the players were also very prepared and confident despite the fact that we didn’t have a full house and had just one training session,” the coach said. “But there is nothing anybody can do. The police have the final authority and if they say they cannot guarantee our security, then we have to take that.”
