Oyo Government Expresses Readiness To Host Nigeria/Tanzania AFCON Match

The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to host the second leg of the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) game between Nigerian Under 23 and their Tanzania counterpart on Saturday, October 29, 2022 at the remodelled Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, the capital of the state.

Speaking during a press conference at the Oyo NUJ Press Center, Iyaganku, GRA on Wednesday, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Seun Fakorede stressed that the state is about to witness another milestone in the annals of the current administration.

He said, “This administration has on several occasions assured the state of its commitment to ensure that the fortunes of the state and its citizen experience a positive change, especially in relation to activities which directly affect the social and economic life of the people of this state.

“It was just yesterday when the iconic Lekan Salami Sports Complex received a beautiful facelift after 30 years of neglect and abandonment by preceding administrations to open up new opportunities for our people to generate money and enhance value.

“This administration thus far has achieved the unprecedented remodeling of the stadium to an enviable world class standard.

“Also, we are about to witness another record breaking achievement in this administration in the hosting of the Under 23 AFCON Qualifying Match happening before our very eyes after an almost 30 years of dearth of international engagements on the soil of Salami Sports Complex.

“We are therefore calling on all football loving citizens to come en-mass to witness the epoch making event and give our darling Under 23 Olympic team an overwhelming and arousing support to victory.”

“I also wish to use this opportunity to charge members of the public to cooperate with the officials. It is essential that the people should demonstrate patriotism and understanding before, during and after the match. This, if we do will enable us witness the hosting of more international competitions in the state.

“Finally, I wish to appreciate the members of the fourth estate of the realm, who have consistently supported this administration. We do not take this for granted, we only solicit for more of your cooperations and objective journalism.”

Recall that the Nigerian Dream Team held Tanzania to a 1-1 draw in the first leg held at Benjamin Mpaka Stadium, Dar es Salaam on Saturday.

The commissioner however, promised that there will be maximum security for lives and properties before, during and after the encounter, while stating that officials of CAF and FIFA have arrived the state ahead of the Saturday match.

Directors in the state’s sports commission were on the entourage of the commissioner among other stakeholders.

-Kunle Bakare.