Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Melvin Amaju Pinnick has added another angle to permutations ahead of Tuesday’s international friendly between the Super Eagles and Cranes of Uganda, as he says it is befitting to host the match at Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba.
While acknowledging the roles played by Stephen Keshi as Eagles captain and later head coach, Pinnick also thanked world soccer governing body, FIFA for approving the stadium to host such top-grade matches as the one billed for Tuesday.
Sports247.ng gathered further that Pinnick is also appreciative to the governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for agreeing to host the Eagles’ camp as well as the match in the capital.
Pinnick, who incidentally hails from Delta State, said it is heartwarming that Eagles on Saturday drew 1-1 with the Bafana Bafana to qualify for the 2019 AFCON in Cameroon.
He added that it was a thing of pride for the Eagles to fly out from Asaba International Airport for the game in Johannesburg and return safely with the AFCON ticket in their kitty.
Pinnick retorted: “When it was announced on Saturday that we are boarding and flying to Asaba, it gave me great joy. It shows that God rules supreme in Delta.
“On behalf of the NFF, I thank the governor and the good people of Delta for their show of enthusiasm since the Super Eagles came here.
“That stadium is wonderful and the Super Eagles will beat Uganda in their friendly match, even as we know that the Ugandan team has also qualified for AFCON.
“I am, therefore, excited that FIFA has approved the Stephen Keshi Stadium for international football matches. We have qualified for AFCON and we are going to Cameroon to make great impact.”
