An outbreak of the deadly Ebola Virus is threatening the upcoming U23 AFCON qualifiers between DR Congo and Nigeria, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
DR Congo will host the U23 team of Nigeria before travelling down for the reverse tie of the two legged qualifiers in November. The winner will seal passage to the final round of the qualifiers.
The U23 AFCON serves as the qualifiers the Los Olympic, with Nigeria aiming to feature in the tournament for the first time since 2016 when it was held in Rio.
We can exclusively reveal that the first leg of the tie away in DR Congo will likely be moved to a neutral ground due to the outbreak of the Ebola Virus, that requires people to be quarantine upon arrival after visiting the DRC.
Data from the DRC’s Ministry of Health indicate that more than 9,800 cases, including more than 4,700 deaths, have been recorded since the start of the outbreak in May, making it the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.
The government’s handling of the outbreak, combined with chronic corruption, has sown widespread distrust, with some even dismissing Ebola as a hoax.
Responders say scepticism about the disease among communities has complicated their efforts, including in remote areas and emerging hotspots already facing shortages of medical supplies and healthcare workers.
On Sunday, Uganda’s Minister of Health Chris Baryomunsi announced that all citizens returning to the country with a history of travel to the DRC will be quarantined for 21 days.
Uganda says it is Ebola-free after declaring an end to its latest outbreak in July. But health experts remain on alert after two people who had recently passed through the country later tested positive in Kenya and Nigeria.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people. Symptoms can take up to 21 days to appear, according to the WHO. In an October 23 update, it urged stronger monitoring and cooperation across borders, while advising against restrictions on travel or trade with affected countries.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
