THISDAY

Akwa Ibom Stadium Wins Nigeria’s Best

- From Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja

The foresight of Akwa Ibom State government towards investing in the iconic Akwa Ibom Internatio­nal Stadium, Uyo has paid off after it received the National Sports Summit Award as the state with the Best Sport Infrastruc­ture in Nigeria. The award was presented in Abuja at a special ceremony endorsed by the Ministry of Youths and Sport. Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung was represente­d at award by Director Planning and Strategy, Mrs Hauwa Kulu-Akinyemi. The Hon. Commission­er for Informatio­n, Charles Udoh, received the award on behalf of Akwa Ibom State government. The award was one of the three plaques scooped by the state. The others were Diamond Award for the most comprehens­ive sports developmen­t programme in support of Nigerian youths and the state with the most patriotic and inspiratio­nal sports supporters.

The technical consultant­s which organized the award in collaborat­ion Ministry of Sports, Spring Vision Internatio­nal Koncept, linked the successful Super Eagles World Cup for Russia 2018 to the right atmosphere in Uyo.

Its chairman, Philips Asiegbu said that the atmosphere generated inside the “Nest of the Champions” by supporters inspired the Super Eagles to record emphatic victories over Algeria, Cameroon and Zambia to book their World Cup ticket. Udoh said the triple awards were clear manifestat­ion of the blueprint by Governor Udom Emmanuel, who places sports in the front burner. “Now everything we have done has yielded results, including our successful hosting of the Super Eagles World Cup campaign as well having two formidable teams in Akwa United and Ibom Angels in the Nigerian premier league and women super league,” Udoh said.

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