Rose Ejembi, Makurdi
As the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Champions League draws near, management of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi has set modalities in motion to upgrade the Aper Aku Stadium to meet CAF current standard for match venue with a view to earning its approval to host the league.
Vice Chairman of the Club, Mr. Mike Idoko who disclosed this when he led other members of the board on a facility tour of the Stadium on Wednesday assured that Lobi Stars has all its take to go into the fiesta and emerge victorious.
He said the board members decided to embark on the tour to assess the facilities ahead of CAF/NFF inspection team expected in October into the state stressing however that certain facilities like the flood lights, VIP seats, score board and dressing rooms need to be given facelift.
READ ALSO Nadal pulls out of China Open
While expressing the readiness of the team to represent the state and the country well at the continental competition, Idoko said after taking a cursory look at facilities, the management is convinced that the stadium has all it takes to host continental matches.
“From the inspection we have done so far, we have to go back and fix those things. This is not the first CAF competition played in the state. In 2000, Lobi played continental matches here. But we have to look at the floodlights, score board, seats and the dressing rooms.
“I am confident that all these facilities will be put in place before the inspection team arrives next month. The Governor has assured us of adequate funding”, Idoko stated.
The Vice Chairman therefore appealed to Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to assist the team with some technical officials especially a phycologists to enable it represent the country well.