NAIJA SUPER 8: Organisers Rate Akwa Ibom High On Sports Infrastructural Development

Akwa Ibom State has been described as an emerging sports capital of Nigeria by the organisers of the Naija Super 8, following the successful completion of the playoffs which took place from 23-25 June at the Eket Township Stadium.

This report in full is according Journalist Bassey Ibiatusuho.

The play-offs saw two teams, which polled the highest number of fan votes from each of the six geo-political zones of the country during the fan voting phase of the competition, battle for the ticket to represent their zone at the main Naija Super 8 tournament slated for the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos from 7-16 July.

Speaking with this reporter, the Tournament Coordinator, Godwin Enakhena commended the state government for putting in place standard sport facilities in the state, adding that the infrastructure attracted the interest of the organisers to host the playoffs in Akwa Ibom.

According to him, with the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo Township stadium, Eket Stadium and the Ikot Ekpene stadium, Akwa Ibom can host any national or international football tournament with ease. He called on the government to be intentional with the maintenance of the infrastructure to keep the standard high at all times.

Enakhena who thanked the fans for turning up for the matches at the Eket Stadium, congratulated the six qualified teams and stated that two wild card teams will be announced on Thursday to make up eight teams for the main Naija Super 8 tournament in Lagos next month which has a prize money of N25million.

Rivers United, Remo Stars, Lobi Stars, Yobe Desert Stars, Enyimba and Katsina United have qualified for the Super 8 finals from the playoffs.