The chairman, Kwara State Football Association, Alh Abdullahi Idris has revealed that a strong lobby has since been underway to have Kwara State Stadium, Ilorin, slated as one of the stadia to host the 2025 edition of the African Cup of Nations(AFCON).
Idris made this disclosure as part of a regular media update on football affairs on the activities of the FA in relation to soccer administration in Kwara State.
He disclosed that a strong representation has been made to the state government through the Kwara Sports Commission for logistical assistance when NFF committee charged with identifying suitable stadia for the biennial soccer fiesta visits Ilorin.
Nigeria and Benin Republic are jointly bidding to host the AFCON in 2025, following Guinea’s withdrawal from hosting the event due to cash related issues.
The West African counties bid’s main rival is Morocco, which has in recent years, gained CAF’s confidence with its state of the art facilities and sports development plan.
But, Idris is optimistic that Nigeria may win the bid given Nigeria’s strategic importance in the continent.
“Moreover, FIFA and CAF have always been about football development and I am sure that if Kwara is put into consideration what with our bubbling footballl culture, clean hospitality and serenity, Nigeria stands a big chance,” the FA boss said.
The FA chairman also reiterated that Kwara holds a pride of place in soccer history in Africa, noting that former CAF African footballer of the year,late Rashidi Yekini, hails from the state; Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest striking ace, Taiwo Awoniyi is also from the state.
Further explaining on pluses that could win the state the previledge of hosting AFCON matches, Idrus stated that Kwara, of recent, under Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq, has demonstrated how easily Public Private Partnership, PPP, can work in managing sports facility in the state.
Towards assisting the state government in the bid to have Kwara host AFCON matches and in general soccer administration, the FA chairman explained that it has since created a Special Organising Committee(SOC).
The SOC has at its head, Bashorun Kayode Bankole, Alh Bolaji Umar, Alh Sulaiman Fowomola, Engnr. Idris Jibril Etsu, Mall. Ademola Kiyesola, Chief Alloy Chukwuemeka, Mall. Tunde Kazeem, Prince Oladimeji Ladi- Thompson and Alh. Ahmed Abdullahi.
