Nigeria will know the result of her bid to stage the 2020 U-20 Women’s World Cup when Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) formally announces the host nation on September 12, 2019.
Nigeria’s newly appointed Sports Minister, Sunday Dare made this revelation in a Tweet after inspecting Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.
FIFA delegation recently visited Nigeria and inspected Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin, Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, Agege Stadium, Lagos amongst other facilities being lined up for the championship.
FIFA had then vehemently opposed Kaduna as a possible host centre, citing security concerns despite NFF’s strong proposition for the North West city to be involved.
Though the FIFA inspection team left without undertaking an inspection of Ahmadu Bello Stadium, new minister for sports, Sunday Dare, on Tuesday inspected the stadium, revealing in his verified Twitter handle that the Kaduna stadium will meet FIFA’s requirements when they come back for to assess the facility built in 1964 and refurbished in 1998 ahead the FIFA U-20 men’s World Cup finals hosted by Nigeria in 1999.
The new Nigerian sports boss promised to work with relevant stakeholders like the NFF, to secure the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup hosting right.
“This Tuesday, I inspected the Ahmadu Bello Stadium Kaduna built in 1964 ahead of the next inspection by FIFA for the U20 female World Cup to be hosted by Nigeria,” the new sports minister tweeted on his verified Twitter platform.
“Earlier, I paid a courtesy visit to Gov Nasir El-Rufai in his office. His plans for youth and sports development in Kaduna was in sync with the new direction we have embarked upon. Grassroot Focus. Talent Hunt. Facility upgrades.
“We will work assiduously with relevant stakeholders, especially the NFF to secure the FIFA hosting right for the U20 female World Cup to be decided on 12th September, 2019.”
Packaged by Lanre Olabisi
