Gateway Stadium ready for FIFA

By Tosin Omojola - 02.05.2008

Gateway International Stadium, Ijebu Ode would be ready for the visit of the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA)’s inspection team, the state Sports Ministry Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Rotimi Oduniyi, has assured.

The FIFA team is due in Ijebu Ode on May 16 to inspect facilities at the Gateway International Stadium, ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Championship billed to take place in Nigerian next year.

In a telephone conversation with Tribunesports, Oduniyi said the state governor had put every machinery in motion to ensure that the stadium was fully ready for the visit of FIFA’s team.

“As I am talking to you, the state government has concentrated much efforts in putting things in perfect position at the Gateway Stadium ahead of FIFA’s visit.

“A committee of which I am the secretary has been put in place to make sure that Gateway International Stadium gets FIFA’s nod as one of the venues to host Nigeria 09 matches and I want to tell you that we are leaving no stone unturned as regards this,” he said.

Oduniyi further stated that work has already reached an advanced stage on the astro turf of the stadium which he said would delight the visiting FIFA team.

He said that information gathered by the committee revealed that the stadium was second in rating to the Abuja National Stadium.