Oyo State Government is fully ready to stage a hitch free game come Saturday when Nigeria’s U-23 national team confronts Their Tanzanian counterparts in the return leg of the U-23 AFCON qualifier.
This assurance was given by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Dr Seun Fakorede, during a press briefing held on Wednesday at the NUJ Press Centre, Iyaganku, Ibadan.
The commissioner explained that no stone will be left unturned to ensure the game is played without any hiccups.
“In collaboration with CAF and NFF officials, we are putting everything in place to ensure that everything goes smoothly before, during and after the game.
“Concerning logistics, security and other areas, I can assure you that there will be no loopholes”, said the commissioner, who sought full support for the Nigerian team as well as cooperation with the CAF and NFF officials.
“We are about to witness another record breaking achievement in this Administration in the hosting of the U-23 AFCON qualifying match happening before our eyes after almost 30 years of dearth of international engagement on the soil of the Lekan Sports Complex.
“We are therefore calling on all football loving citizens to come out enmass to witness the epoch making event and give our darling Under 23 Olympic team an overwhelming and arousing support to victory””.
Speaking further, Dr Fakorede appealed for cooperation with the officials, charging them to demonstrate patriotism and understanding before, during and after the match.
“This, if we do will enable us witness the hosting more international competitions in the state, stated the commissioner, who also revealed that the same arena will play host to the return leg of another international tie between the U-33 team and Costa Rica’s U-23 side.
In attendance at the press briefing were the Chairman, Oyo State Football Association, Oba James Odeniran, Chairman, Oyo State Sports Council, Honourable Gbenga Adewusi Arole, the General Manager, Oyo State Sports Council, Mr Gboyega Makinde, Director in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mrs Bisi Adegoke, Secretary, Oyo State FA, Mr Kehinde Ojelowo, Chairman, Oyo State chapter of NUJ, Comrade Demola- Babalola and the Chairman, Oyo State chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Niyi Alebiosu and others.
It will be recalled that the Salisu Yusuf tutored team secured a 1-1 draw with the Tanzanian team in Dar es Salam in the first leg played last weekend.
