9ja FlavourNEWS
Nest Of Champions Uyo hailed as one of Africa`s best by FIFA/CAF Inspection team
A FIFA/CAF delegation has hailed the standard of facilities at the Nest of Champions, Uyo following their inspection of the facility as one of the possible venues for the CAF Super League.
Officially known as the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, the Nest of Champions was today inspected by a CAF delegation led by Mr Sidat. The inspection team was led round the facility by Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State governor Mr Udom Emmanuel, Elder Paul Bassey, in the company of prominent sport stakeholders in the state.
As first reported by journalist Mfon Patrick, Mr. Sidat who is CAF head of professional football expressed satisfaction at the standard of facilities his team inspected ahead of the proposed CAF Super League billed to take kick off in August.
Mr Sidat said “As head of professional football/ stadium inspection at CAF, I must say that we are surprised in a positive way and we are happy to see A-standard facilities in this part of Nigeria. The Ibom Air flight that brought us from Abuja to Uyo was wonderful, the road network is superb and we enjoyed our drive through the town which looks green with some great vegetation.
” The stadium and the three hotels we have visited are up to the standard we want, so congratulations to the local authority here. As part of the inspection ahead of the CAF Super League, we have visited many countries in the continent but I can say that we are satisfied with what we have seen here in Uyo and I can say authoritatively that the standard of this stadium is good enough for any type of football match.
” We want to congratulate the state government, the stadium management for maintaining this facility. Nigeria and Africa should be proud of this stadium.”
On the conditions necessary for hosting international competitions, Mr Sidat revealed that a good stadium was not enough to earn hosting rights as such must be complemented by the state of the city`s roads, facilities, etc. on this, the inspection team gave Akwa Ibom state another pass mark.
” Football is not all about the stadium when hosting an international competition but also about the city, ” Sidat added.
” So we are very happy that we can have all these beautiful facilities in this city and for the fact that CAF Confederation Cup final was played here few months ago, we have trust in the city of Uyo and we look forward to playing CAF Super League and any other Grand-A competition here”.
Leader of the home delegation, Elder Paul Bassey said he was not surprised by the praises showered on the Stadium and the City which according to him was as a result of the great job done by the Governor Udom Emmanuel led administration especially the peace that reigns in the state. The veteran journalist and sports administrator prayed for continuity going forward.
The Six-man FIFA/CAF delegation arrived Uyo Wednesday evening from Abuja aboard the Akwa Ibom State Government owned Ibom Air.
Other facilities inspected by the team were the Ibom Icon Hotels, Four Points by Sheraton Hotels and Monty Suites.
The inspection is part of preparations for the Multi-Million Dollar CAF Super League scheduled to kick-off in August. Enyimba Football Club will be representing Nigeria in the 24-team league and so the Nest of Champions has been nominated as home ground for the People`s Elephants with the Enyimba International Stadium falling short of set standard.
