By Harry Awurumibe, Editor Abuja Bureau
Barely two weeks to the March 29 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers final play-off return leg tie between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Black Stars of Ghana, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja venue of the crucial match is wearing a new look.
Prompt News reports that the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development has embarked on a massive facelift within the stadium complex with technicians, cleaners, painters and other relevant personnel are at the site putting finishing touches to the facilities.
Although the mainbowl pitch has recently hosted some FIFA and Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) approved international matches involving the senior and junior women’s football teams Super Falcons and the Falconets as well Nigeria Professional Football League, the arena has been closed for further use to preserve the integrity of the playing surface ahead of the Super Eagles versus Black Stars cracker.
Not leaving anything to chance, the Minister of Sports and Youth Development, Sunday Dare has instructed that football activities will not be allowed inside the mainbowl pitch until after March 29
all important match.
He also directed the Director of Facilities and Maintenance in the ministry to undertake the rehabilitation of the gates and turnstiles at the Stadium to ensure adequate security on the match day.
Prompt News investigations revealed that groundsmen and cleaners are daily working in the stadium complex while technicians were seen fixing lightening points.
Also, painters were seen on Friday giving new touches to the faded walls of the areas around tickets sale points overlooking the Games Village and Package B of Moshood Abiola National Stadium.
Ghana will host the first leg of 2022 FIFA World Cup final play-off round fixture at the Cape Coast Stadium in Cape Coast on March 25, starting from 7:30 p.m Ghana time, which will be 8:30 p.m in Nigeria.
The return leg match will hold at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 29, starting from 6 p.m Nigeria time and 7 p.m Ghana time.
The winner over the two legs will advance to the 2022 FIFA World Cup billed for Qatar from November 21 to December 18.
