CAF approves MKO Abiola stadium for Super Eagles’ WCup playoff
…Demands upgrading of playing turf, dressing rooms The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given approval for MKO Abiola National stadium Abuja to host the return leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana in March. However, in the letter of approval signed […]
Alhaji Aliko Dangote (R) and the Minister of Sports and Youths Development, Sunday Dare, addressing the press yesterday at the revamped pitch of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja
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…Demands upgrading of playing turf, dressing rooms
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has given approval for MKO Abiola National stadium Abuja to host the return leg of the 2022 World Cup playoff match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Black Stars of Ghana in March.
However, in the letter of approval signed by Raul Chipenda, Development Director in CAF, the continental body also stated that after assessment and inspection process on the match venue provided by the federation, certain conditions must be met, if the stadium is to be guaranteed the hosting right.
Going by the content of the letter, CAF is not completely satisfied with the condition of the stadium playing surface area, floodlights and dressing rooms which it said must be brought up to the required level.
“Please note that the approved stadium will be set as the venue to host the match Nigeria vs Ghana related to the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Africa Qualifier playoff round.
“Nonetheless, please find attached in Annex A the inspection comments and remarks to be addressed in the coming period by your association in order to guarantee that the stadium is maintained in the list of CAF approved stadiums for senior competitions.
“Among other aspects mentioned in the report, the stadium management is requested to ensure that the playing surface area, floodlights and the dressing rooms are brought up to the required level to host this important match,” the letter reads in part.
It will be recalled that the mainbowl of the MKO Abiola National stadium Abuja was recently reopened after the renovation work which was sponsored by the Dangote Group to the tune of one million US Dollars.
A member of the NFF Executive Committee who spoke under anonymity assured that the lapses identified by CAF would be addressed in time for the stadium to host the make-or-mar match.
“There is no cause for alarm. The observations made by CAF would be looked into. As you are aware, the stadium was reopened recently after renovation,” he said.