There is a big buzz in the South –south region of the country as three Heads of Governments from across the West African sub –continent gather for the elaborate commissioning of one of the most magnificent sporting infrastructure in Africa.
President Goodluck Jonathan will lead Ghanaian leader, Dr. John Dramani Mahama and Ivorian Head of State, Dr. Alassane Ouattara to the stately Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo this evening, with Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio, as Chief Host.
Akpabio is showcasing the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key points of his uncommon transformation of the oil –rich State.
Apart from Presidents Jonathan, Mahama and Ouattara, a number of Governors from across Nigeria are expected, while President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Amaju Pinnick and some Executive Committee members and Management staff arrived in Uyo yesterday evening.
The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Mr. Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being among the best you can find anywhere in the world.
The high point of the commissioning is an international friendly match between the Home –based Senior National Team of Nigeria, Super Eagles B, and the U-23 National Team of Ghana, nicknamed Black Meteors.
Tonight’s match, and the atmosphere, will provide the perfect tenor for the 2015 Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana in less than a fortnight.
Facilities have been stretched thin in the dainty city of Uyo but the party must go on and yesterday, FIFA and CAF Match Commissioner, Paul Bassey, who is coordinating various aspects of the programme, assured that all arrangements have been concluded for a hitch –free event.
Latest Stories
-
We didn’t sneak out 10 BVDs; they were auctioned as obsolete equipment – EC
3 hours -
King Charles to resume public duties after progress in cancer treatment
4 hours -
Arda Guler scores on first start in La Liga as Madrid beat Real Sociedad
4 hours -
Fatawu Issahaku’s Leicester City secures Premier League promotion after Leeds defeat
4 hours -
Anticipation builds as Junior Speller hosts nationwide auditions
4 hours -
Etse Sikanku: The driver’s mate conundrum
5 hours -
IMF Deputy Chief worried large chunk of Eurobonds is used to service debt
5 hours -
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II celebrates 25 years of peaceful rule on golden stool
5 hours -
We have enough funds to pay accruing benefits; we’ve never missed pension payments since 1991 – SSNIT
6 hours -
Let’s embrace shared vision and propel National Banking College – First Deputy Governor
6 hours -
Liverpool agree compensation deal with Feyenoord for Slot
6 hours -
Ejisu by-election: There’s no evidence of NPP engaging in vote-buying – Ahiagbah
6 hours -
Ejisu by-election: Independent ex-NPP MP’s campaign team warns party against dubious tactics
7 hours -
ZEN Petroleum supports Tse-Addo Future Leaders School
8 hours -
NPP must win back Adentan seat in 2024 polls – Obeng Fosu
8 hours