Leadership (Abuja)
17 January 2008
Ghana's ex-international Abedi 'Pele' Ayew and three-time African Footballer of the year, has rescinded from his earlier stance that Eagles have no chance in the forthcoming Nations Cup to tip Nigeria's Super Eagles as one of the favourites to lift the 26th Africa Cup of Nations, which opens on Jan. 20.
"The Super Eagles are one of the top contenders for the trophy. I have seen your team. They look good to reach the finals.
"But I must say you have a lot of work to do. You have to work hard for it because all other teams coming to the event have, no doubt, stepped up their preparations for the Cup," Abedi told a news conference in Lagos yesterday.
He said there was hunger in every Ghanaian for the Black Stars to win the trophy at least to equal the record of Egypt in winning the trophy.
"We are chasing a record and the team is determined to give our people something to cheer at the end of the competition," said Abedi to NAN.
Abedi, who was Africa's Footballer of the Year -- 1991, 1992 and 1993 -- was named trophy ambassador by South African-based Standard Bank.
He has been on tour of some selected African countries to further sensitise soccer fans about the need to associate with the tournament to be hosted by Ghana, his country.
He said he was happy to be on the tour because it had taken him to many countries, where he never had an opportunity of playing but was surprised he had fans.
"I never played in Uganda but I must tell you that I was thrilled to discover that I have influenced many lives."
Abedi praised Standard Bank for the bold step in supporting the growth and development of the championship through the tour.
He said the company provided two million Euros to the African Football Confederation to enable them to support grassroots development effort.
Tony Bafour, Director, International Affairs of Ghana's Local Organising Committee (LOC), who was also on the tour, said he was using the opportunity offered by the tour to invite Nigerian soccer fans to Ghana.
"We assure you of your security. We are going to provide a lot of fun and to let you enjoy what Ghana can offer during the tournament," he said.
"Ghana will be showcasing four stadiums -- two brand new ones in Secondi and Tamale and two refurbished ones in Accra and Kumasi.
"The stadiums are of international standards - lush green grass. The Ghanian culture and hospitality will be on display throughout the duration of the competition," Bafour said.
Bafour, who was Vice Captain of Black Stars under Abedi, allayed the fears of Nigerians over accommodation.
"There will not be accommodation problems. The university hostels and even residential homes will augment hotel accommodation in all the host cities.
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