The quarter final fixtures of the ongoing 2024 President Federation Cup have come and gone; and prior to this time, we witnessed the elimination of Nigeria Premier Football League sides from the competition by clubs from the Nigeria National League which highlights the intrigue associated with the competition.
We also witnessed the games being played in standard stadia and some sub standard ones, the latter being the focal point of this piece.
As the semi final fixtures of the oldest competition in Nigeria football beckons, it’s imperative that the games be played in standard stadia where fans can troop in droves to watch the games.
In time past, as far back as the eighties and early nineties, the FA Cup as the President Federation Cup was called then, attracted good followership, and even more spectatorship during the final stages of the competition as fans and football followers wish to have a feel of famous stadia such as National Stadium, Surulere; Liberty Stadium, Ibadan; Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu; Dan Anyiam Stadium; Owerri etc.
We also witnessed the quarter final games being played in FIFA Goal Project turf, Abuja and turfs of such nature with very, very few spectators in attendance, and that is appalling to see, because in other climes, fixtures at this stage of the competition are played in large stadia and with adequate publicity.
The Nigeria Football Federation must do well to ensure that the prestige of the oldest football competition in Nigeria is preserved by playing the semi final games in standard stadia that can attract large spectatorship. Stadia such as Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan; Enyimba International Stadium, Aba; Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin; Adokie Amesiemaka Stadium, Port Harcourt; Eket Township Stadium, Eket; Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri; Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu etc, meet the cut.
The Super Eagles World Cup qualifiers are in the front burner at the moment, but we are cognisance of the compound word ‘division of labour ‘ as such the NFF department saddled with the responsibility of organizing this prestigious competition has no excuse not to do the needful and project the image of Nigeria with the semi final fixtures.
Standard Stadia in this context are key to our football development. They align with the aesthetic desires of young football fans, appeal to sponsors and portray the President Federation Cup in good light.
May we not have a repeat of what happened in the quarter final games, let the organisers choose the best stadia for the semi final games.
By anonymous writer.