Oyo State government has once again reassured Nigerian of its readiness to host the second edition of African Minifootball Nations Cup.
Hon. Seun Fakorede, Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development, made this known on Thursday afternoon, on behalf of the State government, while on an inspection and familiarization tour with the players and tournament organizers, at Ilaji Sports Resort Ibadan Oyo state, venue of the competition.
“I want to assure you that the governor, Seyi Makinde is fully behind this, and would continue to promote sport in Oyo state and his setting the pace for other state to follow and hope other States would joining in this engagement so our youths can be engaged fully, if you look at it, sports has a very wide area to accommodate our youths to be gainfully employed.” The commissioner said.
More so, Hon.Seyi advised the players to be their brothers keepers, by playing safely to avoid life damaging injuries, during the selection stage.
Palimote Jacob botugu, Chairman Bayelsa State, who spoke on behalf other Chairmen, expressed his excitement for the Commissioners visit, requested that the government should receive the body when they call for help to achieve a successful hosting of the Nation Cup, because sports is a unifying factor in Nigeria, going by the different insecurity scenario playing out in the country.
“Any time we need your support please avail your self, most of the players you see here are from different parts of the country, some came late because of insecurity in their places, but they are here now, when the games kicks off, the whole world, the nation would be watching, to see how things are done in Oyo state and we that are from other States would pick one or two things here, so when we get back, people in our side would be more informed, because you are part of it..”
Ex-Super Eagles international, Mutiu Adepoju, who is the Minifootball Confederation brand ambassador, tagged along with Hon. Seun, charged the players to give their best and see this as an opportunity to represent the nation.
On his part, Ismail Akinlade who spoke on behalf of the players appreciated the Oyo state government, organizers and coaches, just like Oliver Twist , he asked the the government for more support.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and fifteen other countries will know their opponents in the group stage when the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations is conducted on June 9th, 2021 at Ilaji Sport Resort, Ibadan, Oyo, State, venue of the competition.
