The leadership of the Edo Football Association, says its putting all machinery in motion to ensure that the March 26 All Africa Games qualifier between Nigeria’s U-23 Olympic team and its Equatorial Guinea counterpart is hitch-free.

FA boss, Chief Abel Ehigie, said that high-level meetings have started, especially as Comrade Excellency, Adams Oshiomhole, has already given express approval for the game.

“Meetings are being held everyday, in fact there will be another this Thursday, because we want to show that there is a new Edo FA and the joy is that we have the support of those in authority in Edo”.

There were already indications that residents of Benin   City and the entire Edo state have vowed to storm the stadium in numbers in support of the Nigerian side, even as officials, insist that there are suggestions that Benin   City should be made the permanent abode of the Olympic side.

Edo FA Vice Chairman, Frank Ilaboya, declared that with the manner of support
the government of Edo  State is offering there are no fears that the game will
be a huge success.

He praised the efforts of the FA Chairman in ensuring that every needed tool is put in place for the encounter that will be broadcast live as a success.

Edo FA Media Committee Chairman, Ben Alaiya, said the revolution to re_invent
soccer in Edo  State starts with the qualifier in Benin   City. “We have spoken
to top soccer administrators like Chief Mike Itemuagbor, Chris Oshiafi and even
former national coaches Alabi Aisien and Shuaibu Amodu, and they are all happy
that football is returning at the highest level to Edo State.

There can’t be a
better time to re-invent soccer in Edo and indeed Nigeria than now with the
galaxy of stars expected in the encounter’, he said.