Kunle Adelabu
Residents of Ikorodu on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, commended the Lagos State Government for creating a viewing centre for the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ikorodu to enable them watch live matches of the 2022 Nations Cup.
Many residents on Saturday, January 15, 2022, watched the match between Nigeria and Sudan at the biggest football tournament in Africa holding in Cameroon, at the Ita – Elewa Youth Centre which host the sporting facilities facilitated by the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defense and the representative of the Ikorodu Federal Constituency, Rep. Babajimi Benson.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria beat Sudan 3 -1 in the match which was their second game and currently top Group D table with 6 points.
Samuel Chukwueze scored the first goal for the Eagles in the 3rd minute of the encounter while Taiwo Awoniyi made it two in the 45th minute. Moses Simon scored the third goal in the 46th minute.
Khedr scored for Sudan via a penalty in the 70th minute.
The Lagos State Government, through its Sports Commission created the Ikorodu viewing centre to afford Lagosians the opportunity to watch all the 52 matches of the tournament in a secured environment.
Some residents, who spoke with THE IMPACT on Saturday, praised the government for bringing the centre to Ikorodu, commended the initiative and also enjoined the Sports Ministry to extend the same to other councils in Ikorodu Division.
Mr Kayode Kayode, a former international with the Al – Ali FC, Dubai, who also played for the local club, Bolowotan FC, said that watching football at the centre is exciting.
“It is exciting to watch matches here in Ikorodu. It creates a great atmosphere for football lovers to come together to watch matches especially when Nigeria is playing”, he said.
Kayode, who is also an ex – Kogi and Plateau United FCs player, also commended the construction of the sporting facilities facilitated by Hon. Babajimi Benson.
“In fact, it is a good thing to have this mini – stadium here and that is why we can be watching this game here. It gives us a stadium atmosphere. Things like this will bring about positive development in sports”, Kayode said.
“Just look at the crowd and you will see that they are happy to gather here to watch football games. Government should continue to bring more nations and world cup matches to this center for residents to watch”, he charged.
Hon. Samson Bork (Omo Adugbo) who was also at the centre, also commended the initiative.
“This is really good and makes people come out to watch matches in a secure environment. We are actually here to celebrate Nigeria”, he said.
“Nigeria performance was great today. I rate them highly and we expect them to progress to the final in this tournament.
“We urge the government to sustain this centre because people are enjoying themselves here”, he added.
Mrs Omolara Awolesi, a community mobiliser, said that the creation of the centre will boost football in the grassroots.
“It is a laudable initiative which makes people converge in unity and watch matches together. It brings excitement and love among residents”, she said.
“It will be a boost to grassroots football and economy”, she added
