George Oji and Reuben Buhari
11 June 2008
Kaduna — The FIFA Vice President Jack Warner-led inspection team that toured major facilities in Kaduna State for the U-17 World Cup has expressed satisfaction at the state of the facilities and assured the state of securing one of the venues of the tournament scheduled for Nigeria next year.
The 12-man FIFA Delegation toured hotels, training pitches, hospitals and the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna. The hotels inspected were the Hamdala Hotel and ASA Pyramid Hotels, while the training pitches inspected were the Kaduna Township stadium and the Murtala Square training pitch.
The team also inspected the Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist Hospital Kaduna.
Speaking at the end of the exercise Warner commended the state for maintaining the facilities, which hosted the U-20 World Cup in 1999, adding that he was optimistic that Kaduna State would emerge one of the host states.
"I'm happy to see that since 1998 that I came here for a similar role, Kaduna State has kept the facilities in good condition, of course I'm not surprised because Kaduna State is synonymous to football. For the state to have five players in the last U-17 World Cup winning side in South Korea, which means the state is to be reckoned with in football.
"I expect Kaduna State to maintain the facilities ahead of Nigeria 2009 based on what I have seen I'm optimistic that Kaduna is going to be picked as one of the sub seats of the World Cup. But I implore the state government to put artificial turfs on the field to boost the state and the country's football. Also, artificial grass is not affected by lack of rain or any excessive usage of the field and it would make the players comfortable.
"Nigeria is making history being the first country to host a U-17 World Cup after winning the trophy. I would convey what I saw to the FIFA President Mr. Sepp Blatter."
Governor Namadi Sambo, in his address assured FIFA that everything required will be in place for the biennial competition. Sambo, who was represented by the acting governor Mr. Patrick Ibrahim Yakowa, noted that all the required FIFA standards would be met by the state government.
"We have the facilities, the people and the commitment to be a sub seat for the U-17 World Cup. Whatever you want us to do to bring up the standard of the facilities you have inspected to FIFA standard will be done."
We look forward to working on your recommendations; we look forward to our confirmation as sub seat for the Nigeria 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup," he said._
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