Nigeria Football Federation President Ibrahim Gusau on Tuesday slammed the poor standard of stadiums in the country for the Super Eagles to play Grade A matches.
Gusau said this in a conversation with journalists after inspecting the ongoing renovation work at the Apel Aku Stadium in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.
He disclosed that the NFF is looking for an alternative stadium to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo for the Super Eagles to play their home matches.
The head of the NFF, who accompanied Governor Hyacinth Aria on his tour of the facility, praised the governor for investing huge sums of money in rebuilding the stadium, and said the NFF would provide technical input to ensure the facility remains in good health. promised to provide. top notch.
He said: “I was very impressed when I heard that the Governor had awarded the order to renovate Apelaku Stadium. I felt very happy. You probably know if there is one.
“As of now, we are only able to play Grade A matches, namely Super Eagles matches, in Uyo and this is causing anxiety and concern to the football community and Nigerians.
“It is not pleasing for a country like Nigeria to say they only have one stadium to play Grade A matches.
“Last time I complained to the governor about this, he listened and did what we are doing here. He said he was happy with what I saw. I have no choice but to.
“We have technicians here to work with the contractors and make sure everything is going well and we may have an alternative in the near future. It should be.”
“I want to see that there is a stadium to replace Uyo Stadium as soon as possible. I am confident that with the governor’s commitment, it will be possible.”
Regarding the donation of the Governor’s Cup trophy and another cup for the U-15 tournament, the NFF president said this is part of his election promise to revive grassroots football across the country.
“The only way to promote grassroots soccer is to hold U-15 tournaments and Governors Cups across the country. You can’t find it unless you’re in the mood. We don’t want to see Lobi Star go out looking for players all the time. Let’s get them here,” Gusau said.
Meanwhile, Governor Arya, while expressing satisfaction with the ongoing efforts, expressed gratitude to the NFF Chairman for donating the trophy to the Governor’s Cup.
He said: “We have already announced that we are reinventing the Governor’s Cup. Work has already begun and we are thrilled that the NFF President has donated the Cup to us, along with the U-15 trophy.
The governor said the state had been blessed with talented athletes and women in the past and promised further investment in sports to bring back the glory days.
