AFCON qualifier: NFF okays ABS Kaduna for Egypt cracker but…

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By; Jacob Onjewu Dickson
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has given a nod for the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS), Kaduna to host the Africa Nations Cup (AFCON) qualifier against Egypt on March 26.
The NFF delegation led by its General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, explained that Kaduna is okay, but they would have to pay a follow-up visits before the match is played to ensure is perfect.
The team at the main bowl expressed dissatisfaction with the grass on the pitch, instructing the Stadium Manager, Gideon Malo to ensure that.
At the changing room, they expressed satisfaction, but want the ABS management to put in extra work.
The team frowned at the absence of a functioning generating set that can effectively power the floodlights.
“It is an official visit, no official press conference, the stadium is very good. It is an international match and a very good one for us. We want them to enjoy the game when they come and carry positive news of Nigeria away with them. Give the match publicity so that the stadium will be full with home fans to cheer the Eagles to victory. We are hearing of foreign leagues because of publicity. We are appealing on you t0 give good publicity to Nigeria League.
“Director of Facilities at the National Sports Commission (NSC) is here with us in view of the importance of this visit,” he said.
Director NSC Ibrahim Shehu said that the match is very important for Nigeria.
“It is an international match, we need all the publicity. The facilities at the ABS is world standard. Government is doing its best to maintain international standard of stadium. We are here to take a look to get the things that need repairs to put them in good shape, assuring that Kaduna will attract more international matches.
“Even our training pitches are standard, we have looked at them and will give them additional maintenance before the match” he stressed.
Kaduna FA Chairman, Abdulkadir Magaji Kapaka  said that Kaduna was delighted to be granted the hosting rights.
“We went round and we are happy that we will host the match. We need to mobilize people to stadium. In previous matches we collaborate with government to buy all tickets and throw the gates open. Can’t give the same assurance this time, but we will try other means in ensuring that the stadium is full to capacity,” he assured.

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