By Bassey Ibiatisuho – Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria 🇳🇬
A strong delegation from the Confederation of Africa Football – CAF has conducted a final inspection of facilities at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, ahead of the kickoff of the inaugural edition of the Africa Football League in October this year.
The CAF delegation led by Africa Football League Director of Competition, Duccio Ticciati was conducted round facilities at the Iconic 30,000 seating capacity stadium by the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Football Association Normalization Committee, Otuekong Bonny Nyong.
Facilities inspected during the four hours tour include, the Main bowl, training Pitch, VVIP and VIP Sections, Control Room, Giant Screens, VAR Room, Sound System, Media Centre, Fans Village, Conference Room, Lighting, Dressing Rooms, Toilets, Entrances etc.
The delegation had already inspected three hospitality outfits including Four Points by Sheraton Hotels Ikot Ekpene, Ibom Icon Hotels and Monty Suites in Uyo.
The stadium is set to host home matches of the two time CAF Champions and current Nigerian champions, Enyimba International at the competition which was drastically scaled down from the original proposal of 24 to 8 teams.
Other teams in the line-up are; the 2023 CAF Champions League winners Al Ahly of Egypt, runners-up Wydad Casablanca of Morocco and semi-finalists Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa and Esperance of Tunisia.
The 11-time CAF title winners TP Mazembe of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Petro Luanda of Angola and Simba of Tanzania are the other teams included for the competition.
With an initial investment of US$100 million, CAF says the Africa Football League will support the growth of club football, the construction and maintenance of football infrastructure and facilities, training and the retention of football talent in Africa.
