We are ready to host U-20 FIFA Women World  Cup – Gov.  Emmanuel

Dennis Udoma

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom has assured the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) that, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (Nest of Champions) would be ready for the U-20 Women World Cup tournament slated for next year in Nigeria.

He gave the assurance in Uyo on Wednesday, when the FIFA delegation paid him a courtesy call at Government House, before inspecting  facilities at the stadium.

Addressing the delegation led by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, the governor said, he would commit the needed resources to address any existing problem at the stadium before kick-off of the game next year.

Mr Emmanuel said, he would build other complimentary sporting facilities to ensure players have a smooth ambience for effective training for the game adding that, even the Ibom Specialist hospital, also has best medical facilities of world class standard to address any medical exigencies.

On transportation, the governor said, the state owned aviation company,  Ibom Air launched some months ago was aimed at shoring up the tourism potential of the state and to facilitate smooth inter-state movement of tourists, investors and visitors to the state.

The FIFA delegation led by Mr Pinnick, after the inspection of facilities commended the governor for his enthusiasm for sports saying, the state has become a choice location for international competitions in view of its world class stadium.

Pinnick also commended the governor for the peaceful ambience of Akwa Ibom, which he said has little or no security challenges to contain.

He expressed optimism that, the state government would ensure the provision of other facilities to assist in the smooth staging of the competition next year,