By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
The Akwa Ibom State Government has assured the Confederation of African Football – CAF of the readiness of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Sports Commissioner, Mr Monday Ukoh stated this after conducting a CAF inspection team round the 30,000 capacity stadium proposed for the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
Ukoh thanked CAF for the visit and said the government remained committed in keeping the maintenance culture of the stadium high and befitting to host any international football competition.
“Here in Akwa Ibom, we have a very high maintenance culture for public infrastructure and that is why the standard of the stadium remains a priority to the government, and I can assure you that we will continue to keep it in a condition good enough to host any standard football tournament.” He said.
Accompanied by the Chairman of Akwa United, Elder Paul Bassey, and members of the Akwa Ibom State Football Normalization Committee, led by the Chairman, Otuekong Bonny Nyong, the Sports Commissioner asked the CAF delegation to send in their recommendations, assuring that the state government would give approval to help Nigeria/Benin get the hosting right for the 2027 AFCON.
Earlier the CAF team made up of Ralf Baumberger, Adam Vojtekovski, Sophie Bich-Chieu Vu Tien, Omar El Ghiati, Mainasara Illo, Ademola Olajire and Tasiu Riskuwa Shehu, inspected facilities at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, popularly called The Nest of Champions and made some recommendations to the management.
Nigeria and Benin Republic had submitted a joint bid for the 2027 Cup of Nations, but would face strong competition from Algeria, Botswana, Egypt and a joint bid from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda for the tournament.
