Sports
NFF okays Godswill Akpabio stadium for Eagles’ AFCON qualifier against S/Africa
The technical and development committee of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) have expressed satisfaction with the current state of the playing turf of Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo which is billed to host the 2019 Nations Cup qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa in June.
According to a press release on the NFF website on Tuesday, the Chairman of the committee, Barrister Chris Green, alongside NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, carried out the inspection of the magnificent facility on Tuesday.
The facility which is nicknamed ‘Nest of Champions’ hosted the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Tanzania in September 2016, as well as the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying battle between the Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria last year.
“We are delighted with the state of the playing turf and other facilities at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” Green stated.
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“I can tell you that the pitch is just as it was when the Super Eagles played Algeria in the World Cup qualifier in November last year.
“The fact that Julius Berger (the contractors that built the stadium) has also commenced some work on the turf is even more reassuring. They are adding manure, and afterwards will do cutting and rolling, and they have the benefit of the weather at this period.
“By the time we host South Africa on 10th June, the pitch will be one of the very best anywhere in Africa.
“The condition of the field, as it is now, is good enough for matches to be played on it. The Akwa Ibom State Government has continued to show desire and commitment to hosting the match.”
The statement also remarked that the Uyo stadium will play host to the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches between the Super Eagles and the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in August 2017 and against the Chipolopolo of Zambia in October 2017.
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