Nigeria Set To Battle South Africa In Uyo

The Nigeria Football Federation has given the go-ahead for the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom state to host the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers between Nigeria and South Africa as well as the 2018 World Cup qualifier with Cameroon.

An inspection team led by NFF Technical and Development Committee chairman Chris Green, visited the edifice on Tuesday alongside NFF Deputy General Secretary Emmanuel Ikpeme and expressed their satisfaction at what they saw.

The visit, was to see the condition of the playing surface in the main bowl, and other facilities in the stadium as Nigeria get set to host South Africa and Cameroon in the coming months.

“We are delighted with the state of the playing turf and other facilities at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium,” Green told thenff.com.

“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 has also started some work on the turf is even more re-assuring. 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.”

Green also expressed satisfaction with the playing surface after the tour of the ground and believes all will be set on time to host South Africa and Cameroon alike.

“Every inch of the field is covered by grass and the grass is lush green. Julius Berger (the company that built the stadium) has commenced work on the field for the purpose of bringing it to the best standard possible,” he revealed.

Every other facility is in good condition. 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.” he added.

In lieu of impending repair works on the pitch and the stadium in general, the NFF advised that no activity should be held on the playing surface until on-going work in completed and the game against South Africa played.

This means, Nigeria Professional League side Akwa United, who play in the ‘Nest of Champions’ will have to find an alternative venue for their home games.