Nigeria 2009, FIFA rates Calabar Centre High (12/6/08)

The Vice President of FIFA, Mr. Jack Warner says Calabar centre is the most impressive of the six centres he has so far inspected as a prerequisite to host 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria.

While on a courtesy call on Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, Tuesday, Warner said he was impressed with the standard of preparation as displayed by the State Government and thanked Imoke for keeping faith by showing practically that Calabar and Nigeria can host the tournament.

Warner disclosed that he visited Calabar in 1998 to inspect facilities at the U.J. Esuene Stadium prior to the 1999 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Nigeria and what he saw then was impressive, but his second visit revealed that facilities at the stadium are still well maintained, the town peaceful and clean as it is lush and floral while the hotels have been extended.

He described Tinapa Business Resort as the biggest resort and the best anywhere in the world as well as the eighth wonder of the world, adding that some of the Stadia he had earlier inspected were either in a state of decay or their facilities were not well maintained while the Calabar Stadium remains the only exception.

The Vice President commended the Commissioner for Sport, Youth Development and Orientation Mr. Edet Okon Asim for doing a good job in the state to meet FIFA’s requirement and suggested he be sent to Lagos to replicate what is been done in Calabar as there is distinction between aspiration and achievement.

Warner lauded the role played by a football icon Etubom Oyo Orok Oyo alias “Mr. Football” in the development of football in Africa, describing their union as 20 years of unprecedented relationship while his coming to Calabar disabused his mind of what he has heard of Calabar and Nigeria.

Responding, Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State said Calabar has a passion for football because it is where first competitive football was played in Nigeria and whenever the game is played, the turnout is incredible, eventful and colourful because they have genuine love for it, adding that Calabar has grown over the years, and is cleaner and the people friendly.

According to Imoke, Calabar is a goodwill to Nigeria as it is peaceful, clean and its people warm and hospitable, stressing that as in 1999, the state wants to host the 2009 edition of FIFA U-17 World Cup and will do what ever it takes to meet its standard as any short coming will be rectified before October 2009.

The Governor emphasized that the State will not wait for Federal Government, but go ahead and put things in order because the 1999 experience is still fresh in the people’s mind “ as the people of this state will not forgive me if I do not bring the event to Calabar”, while recognizing Warner for his knowledge and experience for football.

He said it was a privilege to have him in Cross River and described him as an ambassador of the State.

The Nigerian Football Association (NFA) Chairman as well as the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) Chairman for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup, Alhaji Sani Lulu in his introductory remarks, commended Cross River for its role during Nigeria ‘99 and the match between Nigeria and Burkina Faso which Calabar hosted, stressing that there is much between football and tourism where Cross River is Nigeria’s flagship.

Lulu noted that though many states have prepared for inspection because it is competitive, LOC and NFA will partner Cross River to lift the game in Nigeria as the six best among the nine centres will be selected and hoped Calabar will qualify while commending the role the Deputy Governor and Chairman, Cross River LOC Mr. Effiok Cobham has played to ensure right things were put in place.

Government House Press