The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between African
champions Ivory Coast and the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone will now take place
at the Adokiye Amiesiamaka Stadium, Port Harcourt on Sunday, the Nigeria
Football Federation has announced.
According to the NFF, by Monday, arrangements for the match
to hold at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos has reached top stage, but then
received a letter from the Sierra Leone Football Association conveying concerns
raised by the Fédération Ivorienne de Football (FIF) about playing on
artificial turf. This has necessitated a change to Port Harcourt.
“We received a letter from the SLFA saying they are aware of
serious concerns by the Ivorien Football Federation about their players playing
on artificial turf, which is the texture of the Teslim Balogun Stadium” NFF General
Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi said.
“The NFF had concluded arrangements to have the match in
Lagos, but as a result of the letter, we had to look elsewhere. We appreciate
the Lagos State Government for showing interest in hosting the match.”
It will be a disappointment for Lagos fans who have been
looking forward to first grade competitive football action in the city.
The NFF and the Nigeria sport ministry may now revive the
multi billion naira dilapidated National stadium facility in Lagos that is
begging for attention for over a decade.
