LAFIA/Nigeria: In anticipation of the highly awaited 2023/24 Nigeria National League (NNL) opener between Nasarawa United FC and Zamfara United FC, Dr. Emmanuel Agbadu Akabe, the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa State, conducted a scheduled inspection of the ongoing renovation work at the Lafia City Stadium.
Accompanied by Hon. Jafaru Ango, the State’s Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi, the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, and Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Abdullahi Sule on Youth and Students’ Affairs, the Deputy Governor toured various sections of the stadium undergoing renovations, including the VIP and Popular Stands, as well as the Perimeter Fence, guided by the project Contractor.
Impressed with the progress and quality of the renovations, Dr. Akabe expressed his satisfaction, commending the Contractor and the swift pace of the work. He emphasized the significance of hosting the NNL curtain raiser in Lafia, stating, “We are delighted that this stadium has been selected for that purpose, and knowing that Engr. Abdullahi Sule is a sports-loving Governor who has put in everything to make sure that Nasarawa State comes top as far as sporting activities are concerned in Nigeria.”
Addressing the upcoming NNL commencement, the Deputy Governor shared his optimism for Nasarawa United’s swift return to the elite football league, saying, “We lost our stay in the elite football league, but we see that as a temporary setback because we are optimistic that we won’t stay in the lower division for too long. In one year, we should be back into where we rightly belong.”
Dr. Akabe highlighted the expected influx of dignitaries for the opening match, emphasizing the need to enhance the stadium’s appeal for future events. He explained, “It’s only proper that we make our stadium look good enough to attract more matches here because we believe that the more matches we have here will not only improve the sporting consciousness of the people but also boost the economy of the place, as well as get us into the international limelight to woo investors to the State.”
On the Governor’s directive, he stated, “The Governor had requested me to come and inspect the stadium to ascertain the level of works done so far, and I have just been taken round the facility, and I have spoken with the Contractor and he has given me all the assurances that he is going to finish within time.”
The Deputy Governor urged the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and his Permanent Secretary to ensure the stadium receives the attention it deserves, saying, “We are ensuring that we are on the same page with the Contractor, so I have directed the Commissioner for Youth and Sports and his Permanent Secretary to be on top of it to ensure we give this place the best it deserves.”
Regarding the ongoing and future renovations, he added, “This facility facelift will continue even after the opening match because there are other areas that need some touches, especially roofing the popular stands to protect supporters from the effects of the elements so that we can get something near to modern.”
Concluding his remarks, the Deputy Governor called on the people of Nasarawa State and supporters of Nasarawa United to show up in large numbers to rally behind the team during the Saturday match. He pledged his presence at the team’s final training on Friday, emphasizing the importance of morale support for the home team.
In a final rallying call, Dr. Akabe extended his best wishes to Nasarawa United, stating, “We wish our dear team all the best as they carry the hopes of over three million Nasarawa State indigenes on their bodies on Saturday.”
The Nasarawa United versus Zamfara United clash is set to unfold on Saturday, 11th November 2023, at the Lafia City Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 3 pm.
