Three presidents, including President Goodluck Jonathan, are on the roll call of dignitaries for the grand opening of the new Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo on Friday.
A press statement from Ademola Olajire, the Nigeria Football Federation spokesperson stated that the President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama and the Ivorian Head of State, Alassane Ouattara will all be in Uyo to open the new edifice.
Apart from Presidents Jonathan, Mahama and Ouattara, a number of governors from across Nigeria are expected, while the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and some Executive Committee members and Management staff arrived in Uyo on Thursday 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, Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world”.
Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is the chief host, will showcase the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key infrastructure he has delivered for the oil-rich State.
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.
Friday’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.
More pictures of the stadium below...
More pictures of the stadium below...
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