Rivers Commissioner for Sports, Boma Iyaye, says the city of Port Harcourt is safe to host Gov. Wike’s Pre-Season Football Tournament.
Iyaye, who disclosed this on Wednesday in Port Harcourt after a meeting with the competition’s organisers, assured spectators of their safety during the tournament.
The commissioner, who said the competition scheduled to begin on Friday was in its second edition, said the state had hosted several big sports events and promised a good outing again.
He also expressed optimism that there would be no distractions.
“The security of lives and property remains paramount to this administration, hence the safe environment being enjoyed by Rivers people.
“Port Harcourt has always been home to people from all over the world,” Iyaye said.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the competition’s Organising Committee, Bashir Badawiy, has disclosed that the draw for the tournament would hold on Thursday at the Ministry of Sports’ Conference Hall.
He listed some of the football clubs which have confirmed participation in the tournament to include: Rivers United, Abia Warriors, Nasarawa United, Kwara United, Lobi Stars, MFM FC and Bayelsa United.
He said the others were Akwa United, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, Cynosure FC, Udala FC, Ottafolo FC and Goddosky FC.
Badawiy added that all arrangements have been concluded to ensure a smooth competition which would be a delight to sports lovers in the state.
“The clubs have all confirmed their participation and I can tell you some of the clubs are departing from their various locations from tomorrow (Thursday).
“This is the biggest pre-season tourney in Nigeria and you can be sure that we will have a great event.
“Port Harcourt is safe and you can see that everywhere is calm. All the teams coming for the tournament will have a good time in the Garden City.
“We welcome them with open arms and promise that it will be a successful one,” he pledged .
