Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa has assured the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) of the full readiness of his State to host the Under-20 Women World Cup in 2020.
Speaking today, August 7, when FIFA team on inspection of facilities in the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba, the State capital, visited him in the government House, the governor said that his administration is determined to put in place, more facilities that would be needed for the competition.
He recalled that such international events as the 21st Africa Senior Athletics Competition, Super Eagles matches with Seychelles and Egypt, among others were hosted in the same stadium without hitches, saying that hosting the World Cup would be a great event that would be welcomed by football enthusiasts and all Deltans.
“I am glad that you are here to inspect sporting facilities in our state; as a government, we have continued to do the best we can to develop sporting facilities and we have done very well in that area.
“It is good that you are happy with the facilities we have on ground and the compliments from you will help us to continue to do the best that we can. Asaba and our state generally is peaceful and I want to reassure you that we will do what we have to do if there are areas we need to improve on.
“Asaba is the place to be for this kind of championship; we have the crowd to cheer the teams, receptive people and friendly environment.
“As a state government, we will do everything that we can within our reach, to ensure that we have a successful event.”
Earlier, the President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, had said that the FIFA team was impressed with the facilities they met on ground at the stadium and commended Okowa’s administration for its commitment to sports development, especially football.
The FIFA delegation, which is led by Christopher Exley, is billed to visit Asaba, Uyo, Lagos and Benin City to inspect facilities for the 2020 world female football fiesta.
