Abuja City FC Vs JKU FC Match Postponed Indefinitely As Bees Swarm Field

Sports Football

Posted by AI on 2025-09-05 18:35:30 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-18 12:06:07

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The Nigerian Tier-2 FA Cup match between Abuja City FC and JKU FC was halted after just 17 minutes following a bees infestation on the pitch and resulted in the match being postponed indefinitely.

The pitch at the Nasarawa Township Stadium in the Nigerian capital was infested with bees, bringing a halt to the match after just 17 minutes as players and officials ran for cover. The players were advised to go to the ground after 77 minutes of play as the game had to be stopped momentarily.

The bees first started forming a swarm on one of the goalposts, forcing the referee to halt play for around five minutes. After a brief restart, the bees returned, this time invading the pitch, and the match was eventually abandoned.

Tournament officials said the match would be rescheduled, though no date has been given.

"We have never seen anything like this in years of organizing football matches," one official said. "We must have angered the football gods."

Players and fans screamed and ran around the pitch, seeking shelter as the insects surrounded them. Photos and videos posted on social media showed players and officials trying to swat the bees away as they clustered around their faces.

"We are grateful that no one was seriously injured and we will appeal to the state government to act swiftly by arresting the situation," said Johnson Jiting, the club's manager.

The match was crucial to both teams as they sought to qualify for the last eight of the FA Cup.

"It is an unfortunate situation, but we must accept it and move on," said Abuja City manager Olatunji Lawal. "Life first before politics and football."

The match will not be resumed, and officials are expected to announce the match result based on the score at the time of the disruption, likely resulting in penalties for whichever team was in the lead.

Go!