We’ll deploy maximum security for U23 AFCON qualifier, Oyo govt assures

The Oyo State government, on Wednesday, declared that it would deploy maximum security  to ensure a hitch-free continental match between Nigeria and Tanzania in the U23 AFCON qualifier, scheduled for this week Saturday, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

Addressing a press conference at the hall of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Oyo State council, ahead the crucial match, the state Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Seun Fakorede, assured that necessary machinery had been put in place to guarantee the safety of all stakeholders involved in the competition, including members of the public.

Fakorede, who declined to give details of the security arrangements, explained that Governor ‘Seyi Makinde-led administration is happy to host the continental match, just as he disclosed that other stakeholders in the South West states were being carried along in the preparations for the Saturday clash between the Nigerian team and its Tanzania counterpart.

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He, however, appealed to the people and residents of the state to troop out en masse and watch the match, with a view to cheering up Nigerian players to victory.

According to Fakoerede, “we are happy to host the match between Nigeria and Tanzania because the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has on several occasion assure the state of its commitment to irrevocably ensure that the fortunes of the state and its citizen experience a positive change, especially in relation to activities which directly affect the social and economic life of the citizenry.

“We are about to witness another record breaking achievement in this administration in the hosting of the U23 AFCON qualifying match happening before our very eyes after an almost 30 years of dearth of international engagements on the soil of Lekan Salami Sports Complex.

“We are therefore calling on all football loving citizens to come enmass to witness the epoch making event and give our darling Under 23 Olympic team an overwhelming and arousing support to victory.

“I also wish to take this opportunity to charge the members of the public to cooperate with the officials, it is essential that the people should demonstrate patriotism and understanding before, during and after the match. This, if we do, will enable us to witness the hosting of more International Competitions in the State.”

In his remarks, Chairman, Oyo FA, Oba James Adeniran thanked Governor Makinde for dim it fit to build an international stadium which the country now reckons with.

“Adamasingba is now one of the best stadiums we have in the country and I will encourage the people of Oyo State to come and support Nigeria so as to come out victorious on Saturday.”