Rangers stars Joe Aribo, Leon Balogun and Calvin Bassey were reportedly forced to cower in their dressing room for over an hour as furious Nigeria fans rioted outside following their shock World Cup exit.
The Ibrox trio saw their dreams of leading the Super Eagles to this year’s finals in Qatar 2022 go up in flames as they were dumped out of the African play-offs by fierce rivals Ghana.
A 1-1 draw in the Nigerian capital of Abuja was enough to see the Black Stars qualify on away goals but the result sparked chaotic scenes at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium as Nigeria missed out on their first World Cup in 16 years.
Hundreds of angry supporters flooded onto the pitch at full-time to trash dug-outs and other stadium facilities.
And Nigerian sports website brila.net claims Aribo, Balogun, Bassey and the rest of the Super Eagles squad were forced to rush back to the dressing room and lock themselves inside for their own protection as they waited for authorities to regain control of the shameful situation outside.
Fans also allegedly gathered outside the stadium hoping to attack the players but were held back by security officials.
However, Nigerian FA chiefs have issued a statement denying reports that a FIFA doping official died following the match after being beaten up by rampaging hooligans.
Dr Joseph Kabungo suffered a fatal cardiac as he waited to carry out a drug tests on the victorious Ghanaian squad.
The Nigeria Football Federation expressed its” shock and sorrow” over the tragedy but also released a statement quoting FIFA security officer Mr Dixon Adol Okello who said: “It is a very sad incident and one is shocked that some persons have been putting a terrible slant to the whole thing by saying he was beaten up by fans. That is a lie. He died as a result of sudden cardiac arrest.”
Rangers full-back Bassey was making his first start for his country having registered his debut off the bench in last week’s goalless draw in Kumasi.
Thomas Partey's gave Ghana the second-leg lead after a calamity from keeper Francis Uzoho but Nigeria hit back through captain William Troost-Ekong.
Aribo thought he’d teed up the goal which would have sent his team through, only for an offside flag to rule out Victor Omission’s late strike.
