By Albert Akota
November 11 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match between Nigeria Super Eagles and their Squirrels of Benin Republic counterparts would be staged inside the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, had hosted Super Eagles matches in recent time but concerns over the state of the Asaba pitch has forced Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, into serious search for an alternative venue.
There are also suggestions the Keshi Stadium could undergo rehabilitation ahead the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup which Nigeria is bidding to host.
The Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and Stephen Keshi Stadium are amongst six stadia Nigeria Football Federation is proposing as venues for the championship.
All the facilities have been inspected by a team of FIFA Inspectors except the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
After the Squirrels clash, Eagles next AFCON qualifier will be away to Lesotho in Maseru on November 19.
“We are ready to host Super Eagles matches anytime. The Ogbemudia Stadium is now back to shape and don’t forget, Benin used to be Super Eagles number one home in the past, so this won’t be anything special”, an official of Edo State Football Association said on Tuesday.
But chairman of the Edo FA, Comrade Frank Illaboya, could not be reached Tuesday on the matter.
Several calls to his mobile phone were answered by his Personal Assistant who informed on each occasion that his Principal was in a meeting.
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