The Rivers State Government has announced its readiness to host the International Friendly between the Super Eagles and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on May 28, 2018.
The agreement for hosting the game was reached after a high-profile meeting between the Rivers State Governor; Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, President of Nigeria Football Federation; Amaju Pinick and Super Eagles Coach; Gerhard Rohr at the Government House in Port Harcourt today.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Rivers State Sports Commissioner; Boma Iyaye said that the state government will do everything possible to ensure that the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium is ready for the International Friendly.
The State Government thanked the Nigeria Football Federation for their collaboration targeted at the development of football in the country.
Iyaye said: “Governor Nyesom-Wike has done well in terms of funding national sporting events. He hosted the African Wrestling Championship on behalf of the Federal Government. Now he is hosting the Super Eagles and Democratic Republic of Congo on behalf of the Federal Government. This is something that is worthy of commendation.”
President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinick also commended the Rivers State Government and the people of the state for their unflinching support for the Super Eagles.
He said that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is happy with the state of facilities at the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium.
“We are playing on the 28th of May, 2018 against the Democratic Republic of Congo. After the match, the Rivers State Governor will host the two teams to a dinner.
“Everywhere is home to the Super Eagles. Lagos, Port Harcourt, Uyo, Kano, Kaduna or Minna. They are Super Eagles of Nigeria and every part is integral to the development of football. ” Pinick said.
The NFF President outlined the World Cup preparation programme of the Super Eagles, saying that the target of the team is to lift the World Cup.
Super Eagles Coach, Gerhard Rohr said that the Super Eagles need three major international friendlies to be prepare them for the World Cup.
Rohr said that he expects the Adokiye Amasiemaka Stadium to be fully ready in the next four weeks for the Congolese friendly.
He also mentioned that some of the key players of the team are injured, adding that those on the injury list will be nurtured to fitness before the opening of the World Cup.
