The Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Barrister Chris Green has accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of hindering Rivers United from using Port Harcourt’s Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium to host group stage games of the CAF Confederation Cup.
According to reports that went viral on Tuesday, the Nigeria Professional Football League champions have chosen to play their home matches at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, suggesting that the Port Harcourt stadium did not meet CAF standards. This comes less than a month before the club’s campaign on the continent is set to begin.
After the club played its preliminary games there, it posted updates on improvements made to the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium. However, following the most recent development, Green claimed that the NFF did not show up for the inspection of the facilities.
“The NFF is in a better position to answer. Yes, we upgraded (the stadium) but NFF officials were supposed to inspect it, but they didn’t come”, Green said.
NFF General Secretary, Mohammed Sanusi declined comments on the issue, saying, “I can’t be discussing issues like this in the media, but NFF has done it’s job”.
According to the fixtures released by CAF, Rivers United will begin their group stage campaign on 12 February away to Congo Republic’s Diables Noirs, while the first home match of the Nigerian side comes up a week later against Ivorien side ASEC Mimosas.
Other home games against DC Motema Pembe of DR Congo and Diables Noirs will be played on March 8 and 19 respectively in Uyo.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium hosted last season’s CAF Confederation Cup final match between RSB Berkane and Orlando Pirates.
