The Lagos State government has guaranteed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) cutting-edge sports facilities and a conducive atmosphere for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu conveyed this affirmation during a cordial meeting with a CAF Inspection Team on Wednesday at Alausa, Ikeja.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, underlined that the state possessed all the prerequisites to co-host the tournament alongside the Republic of Benin.
He stated, “Lagos State has previously hosted the under 17 and under 20 World Cup football tournaments, which has provided us with insights into the hosting protocols. We possess the blueprint and understand our obligations; thus, we are committed to ensuring excellence.”
Sanwo-Olu also assured the visiting delegation of the warm hospitality provided by both the public and private sectors in the state.
Nonetheless, the governor remarked that the state’s ambitions extend beyond the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He emphasised the desire to cultivate the younger generation’s interest in football.
He emphasised that his administration’s objective was to spotlight young Nigerian talents on a global stage in the realm of sports.
“In addition to refurbishing the Teslim Balogun Stadium to meet the required standards for the competition and beyond, we are constructing new stadiums in various communities across the state. Our efforts are concentrated on empowering and motivating young individuals, both male and female, in football and other sports.”
“We aim to initiate numerous sporting activities within our communities, including community football,” he stated.
Sanwo-Olu pledged that the Teslim Balogun Stadium would be ready before the year’s end.
Earlier, the head of Nigeria’s Bid Delegation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Mallam Mainasara Illo, revealed that the delegation was in Lagos to assess the football facilities proposed by the Nigeria Football Federation for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2027.
Illo disclosed that six Nigerian states and two cities in the Republic of Benin had been suggested as potential hosts for the competition.
He expressed optimism that the proposed venues in Nigeria would meet the requirements.
Illo remarked, “It would be absolutely unacceptable if Lagos State, being Africa’s largest economy, the country’s most populous state, and a state where football is ardently followed, does not qualify.”
He, therefore, urged the state government to accelerate the progress at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, as the team had visited the facility and noted ongoing construction along with other training centres intended for the competition.
Illo requested the state government ensure the availability of quality hospitals, VIP hotels, and other essential amenities.
