A stampede at the inauguration ceremony of the new stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, is believed to have claimed the lives of two persons while 20 others suffered various degrees of injuries.
It is not clear yet what caused the stampede but an international friendly between the home-based senior national team of Nigeria, Super Eagles B, and the U-23 National Team of Ghana, the Black Meteors, was said to have been the main cause of the stampede. Observers said that it was possible that football fans caused the stampede as they scrambled to enter the stadium to watch the match.
The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world”.
Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is the chief host, is showcasing the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key infrastructure he has delivered for the oil-rich State. [myad]
