The new Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo is on course to host a 2015 African Cup of Nations qualifying match after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) agreed to send officials to inspect the facility.
The officials are expected to be in Nigeria next week to inspect the new ground which Nigeria has put forward to host the potentially crucial match between the Super Eagles and South Africa on November 19.
According to a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation, ”Initially, CAF raised the issue of the fact that the venue had not yet been inspected and therefore would not stand a chance of hosting the match.”
”However, the NFF assured the continental body of the quality of the facility and the readiness of the Akwa Ibom State Government to guarantee safety and security of all persons at the match.” the statement further read.
The inspection of the stadium would likely be the final step towards approving the 30,000-capacity ground for the qualifying clash between Nigeria and South Africa.
The stadium, which also has a bulletproof State Box, will be inaugurated on November 6 and has been described as ”a timeless and priceless piece of architecture” by NFF President Amaju Pinnick.