•Akwa Ibom ready for Eagles
By George Aluo
The nation’s soccer governing body, the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF has expressed happiness over the state of the Uyo Stadium turf, ahead of the June AFCON 2019 qualifier against South Africa.
The NFF early this week despatched a two- man team to Uyo to carry out an assessment of the state of the magnificent arena, especially the pitch ahead of the all-important clash against South Africa.
The NFF team led by technical committee boss, Chris Green had after the Uyo outing expressed satisfaction over what they saw.
Green in a report which a competent NFF source made available to Daily Sunsports thumbed up the Akwa Ibom State Government for maintaining the arena.
The report stated that the pitch is in good shape but was quick in advising the stadium management to keep watering it to ensure it remains lush green, especially in June when the Eagles come calling.
Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, we further gathered, is also comfortable playing in Uyo as he sees the arena as Nigeria’s best and a venue with passionate fans who cheer the Eagles non stop.
Meanwhile the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on sports, Paul Bassey has assured that the state government would give the the NFF and the Super Eagles total support ahead of the game.
Bassey told Daily Sunsports that as host, Akwa Ibom puts in everything to ensure a hitch free match.
“The state has always played host to the Eagles in a special way. Gov Udom Emmanuel is ready to continue in that tradition when we play South Africa in June. “The Nest of Champions will be in good shape and all other logistics will be put in place,” Bassey assured.