Pinnick thumbs up Ogbemudia stadium ahead of AFCON qualifier

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, on Monday described the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin as “world-class” ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between the Super Eagles and Sierra-Leone on November 13.

Pinnick stated this after inspecting facilities at the stadium, venue of the AFCON qualifier, in company of the Deputy Governor of the state, Philip Shaibu.

“This is a tremendous improvement from the last time I came. This is like what you see in other climes, so I’m very impressed with what I saw,” Pinnick said.

“I commend the governor and his team, especially the deputy governor, for ensuring that we have this world-class facility that we are proud of.”

On the Eagles versus the Leone Stars clash, Pinnick added, “We will quietly beat them home and away. We have arranged for a chartered flight that will take them (Eagles) to Sierra Leone after the game.

“We are also going to bring in the Super Falcons, the most successful team in Africa because this is their home.”

He said letters had been sent to the sports ministry, the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and CAF to allow half of the capacity of the stadium for the tie.

Edo Deputy Governor Shaibu said the state was happy to host the game.

Shaibu stated, “We are excited that we will be having the first international football match here in the refurbished Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium and that was what it was intended to achieve.

“We followed international standards when we were rebuilding the stadium and we were in touch with the NFF to guide us with the FIFA regulations, so what you have here today is an international stadium.

“The COVID-19 task force in the state has been engaged to be part of this game to ensure that we observe all regulations. We want VAR in the stadium to be used, so that those in doubt of our capacity to host big games will know that we are not joking.”