Leadership (Abuja)
Asuelimen Osasuyi
4 January 2009
Abuja — Ahead of the last lap of FIFA Inspections, the inspection team is expected in the country beginning January 19 to 26 for the inspection, of stadia and facilities earmarked by Nigeria to host the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The chairman of the Local Organizing Committee and president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani Lulu said all the 9 stadia are fully ready for FIFA to choose the best six.
Lulu said last week that the LOC is prepared to receive the Inspection team, because all the requirements have been put in place in line with FIFA's standard for the championship.
The NFF president said FIFA will also use the visit to conduct the draws for the 24 countries that would participate in the fiesta. "It is also important to inform Nigerians that the logo and mascot for the championship will be launched and unveiled by the president, Umaru Musa Yar'Adua during FIFA's visit and it has been scheduled to hold on January 26 at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa."
Lulu revealed that FIFA has the sole responsibility to determine the categories of gate fees for the championship.
"Nigeria is committed to hosting the games as you can see from the leadership being provided by the vice president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, who undertook an inspection visit to all the stadia slated to host the games. He has assured of federal government commitment to the course. So, the LOC is ready to organise a befitting championship that would be remembered for a long time."
LOC chairman said although the 9 stadia are fully ready, FIFA will only pick 6 out to host the games.
"The vice president is satisfied with what he saw on ground during his inspection tour of the facilities last week, so we must thank the state governments for their commitment in putting these facilities in place. We have also received assurance from the state governors to cooperate with the LOC during the championship."
Lulu said arrangements are also being concluded to ensure massive mobilization of Nigerians for the games.
"We have the public mobilization committee who have been mandated to ensure massive support by Nigerians, the private sector and football stakeholders. We want to see each stadium packed full with spectators during any match."
Vice president and chief executive officer of the LOC, Mainasara lllo had said earlier that the LOC will adopt the Ghana 2008 option in ensuring that all Nigerians are adequately mobilized to support the games.
"Members of the Nigeria 2009 LOC were in Ghana during the 2008 African Cup of Nations and we observed how committed and patriotic the Ghanians were. From the taxi driver to the market women, even the mad people were seen putting on the colours of the country and the Jersey of the Black stars. You look at the streets, the taxi cab, the trees and the stadium, all were adorned with the national flag and symbols. We tried to investigate how they were able to mobilize all the citizens, but we discovered that the marvelous work was done by Nigerians.
Nigerian companies were awarded the contract to do that tremendous job. the LOC intends to reach out to these people in order to have well mobilised spectators and supporters during the fiesta."
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