The governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori has said the state is prepared to serve as one of Nigeria’s host cities for the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027.
Speaking when he played host to the Confederation of African Football, CAF bidding inspection committee at Government House, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori said the state was peaceful and conducive to hosting the continental football tournament.
“Delta State will be among the six states that would be hosting in Nigeria because it’s peaceful and we have a very serene environment with top-notch security, good roads and airport infrastructure.
“We have hosted several athletes in the past including the Senior African Athletics Championship in 2018 and the National Sports Festival in 2022.
“As a state, we are renowned for hosting such high-class sports events and we have not recorded any incidence of insecurity or any negative report.
“We have one of the best stadiums in the country and I can assure you that if Delta State is chosen, we will provide excellent hosting for the event.
“By the time you finish your inspection, I am quite sure that we will pass even as I assure you that Delta State is more than ready to host the 36th African Cup of Nations.
“Since 2018 when we hosted the CAA, the hospitality industry in Asaba has witnessed more growth with the coming of more hotels to the city and more top-class hotels will be completed before the hosting date,” the governor stated.
It will be recalled in January 2023, CAF President, Patrice Motsepe confirmed Algeria, Morocco, South Africa, Zambia, and Benin-Nigeria are bidding to replace Guinea.
Guinea, chosen in 2014 to stage the premier African national team tournament, withdrew last year after little progress had been made in preparing for the biennial event.
Nigeria has hosted AFCON twice; the first being in 1980 and the second in 2000 as a co-host with Ghana.
