Benue ‘ll Host Most Glamorous FA Cup - SSG

Niyi Alebiosu, Lagos - 05.07.2008

THE Benue State government has expended almost N250 million to host the Coca-Cola FA Cup final, which holds in Makurdi today between Ocean Boys and Gombe United.

Seceretary to the State Government, Audu Achigili, said that works had been completed on the refurbishing of the Aper Aku Stadium, which would host the final.

"NFA approached us a few weeks back to host the Coca-Cola FA Cup final, though we have the structure, but it is not befitting enough to host the FA Cup final.

"We took up the challenge, as the state government saw the hosting as an opportunity to upgrade our facilities. The Aper Aku Stadium is we have improved on the dressing room, floodlights and there are new seats for the 20,000- capacity stadium with number on each seat.

"Apart from upgrading the facilities at the stadium, internet facilities had been installed at the stadium to enable both the local and foreign journalists coming to cover the match to have a conducive environment to operate. They don't have to be looking for where to file in their reports right on their seat at the stadium, they can sent their stories to their offices.

"We are not just doing this for the FA Cup final alone, but also to improve on our stadium to meet international standard which can be comparable to other stadia in the world,'' Achigili said. "Though, we are not known in Benue for violence, yet we have to ensure that adequate security is provided for people coming, as many football fans and club supporters would be here to cheer their teams, and we won’t take any chance,” he said.