The Head Coach of El-Kanemi Warriors, Aliyu Zubairu says playing the continental matches at Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo will be a herculean task for the club.
Zubairu stated this during a media parley with Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Kwara State chapter on Thursday in Ilorin.
He expressed that, the away match in the preliminary round of the competition is closer compared to the home match due to the geographic location of the country.
“I think the away match is even closer to us compared to Uyo of course sure”
He reiterated that, it is a very bad situation and pathetic for the country as Nigeria with only one stadium approved by CAF to host continental matches despite the fund been provided by FIFA for facilities and youth development, noting that it is of no help for the country.
“There’s nothing we can do that’s the situation we find ourselves which is very unfortunate, it’s not helping football in this country, if FIFA wants to give you funds you talk of facilities development and youth development”
He said, having only Uyo stadium as an accredited stadium is shameful and a big problem for Nigeria football ecosystem.
The Maiduiguri based side, were pitted against Dadje of Benin Republic in Preliminary round of the CAF Confederation cup competition.
2024 Federation Cup winning coach, while commenting on giving the young players the chance, he said he will continue to do that, pending his time at El-Kanemi Warriors.
He stressed that, it is best to give the young players the chance to exhibit their skills, energy, talent, noting that it’s the right age as they have an ability to assimilate with their body resistance is still very high.
The Kwara-born gaffer, also highlighted that the influx of Nigeria players to Benin Republic is very good for the players as the various leagues in Nigeria cannot absorbed or accomodated every players, saying the bad side of it, is the agenda of Benin Republic using the players to build their own leagues and national team.
“It is good for the country, because the number of teams we have in the country from Premiership, NNL, NLO whatever, if you multiply it by six, it can’t absorb the players we have in the country, so going to Cotonue is an advantage in that aspect to engage most of our players”
Coach Aliyu Zubairu extended his warm appreciation to Kwara SWAN for their unwavering supports in projecting the home grown coaches in Kwara through their reportage to the outer world.
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