By Akanimo Kufre (Uyo)
As Stuart Baxter’s men, Bafana Bafana arrived Uyo at about 2pm, Thursday afternoon at Ibom Le Meridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Akwa Ibom amidst tight security, the police has assured them of a safe stay.
Security personnel on duty were obviously larger than those observed during Nigeria versus Algeria match.
Both policemen and DSS personnel presence gave prime attention to safety as Nigeria will prevent any attack similar to attacks recorded in London few days ago where a knife wielding terrorist attack killed 7 and left one severely wounded – Mr. Larner, a national hero for resisting attackers. Mr Larner’s actions have won him a huge following on social media, where he has been called “The Lion of London Bridge”, a reference to Millwall Football Club’s nickname, the Lions.
It will be recalled recent football attacks in England may have put all football activities across the world on high alert. To this end the Nigeria Police Force, Akwa Ibom State Command has put in place adequate security arrangements to ensure hitch-free AFCON 2019 Qualifier match between Nigeria and South Africa scheduled to hold on 10th June, 2017 at the Nest of Champions, Uyo.
The Commissioner of Police, Akwa Ibom State, CP Don Awunah, was determined to guarantee that soccer loving Nigerians enjoy the football match under a peaceful atmosphere devoid of any infraction of law and has directed the deployment of over 500 specially selected officers knowledgeable in crowd control and policing events to provide top notch security before, during and after the football match. In addition, due to influx of soccer fans into the State, adequate crime reduction strategies have been put in place to check crime and criminalities, throughout the State. It is also in addition to existing anti crime measures in the State.
The CP enjoins all soccer fans visiting the Nest of Champions to conduct themselves in a most orderly and hospitable manner, sports being a veritable means to promote unity, solidarity and cultivate enduring friendship.
The Police Public Relations Officers, Akwa Ibom State Command, DSP Chukwu Ikechukwu confirmed that, ‘If you check this period we don’t have other football events like English Premiership and others, so special attention has been devoted to this qualifiers so people from Lagos, Abuja, Northern and southern part of the country have all indicated interest to come over. We want to provide adequate security to make sure there is law and order before and during the match and after the match.’
The 25-man South African squad includes Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune, Ronwen Williams, Darren Keet. Defenders: Ramahlwe Mphahlele, Rivaldo Coetzee, Thulani Hlatshwayo, Eric Mathoho, Lorenzo Gordinho, Abbubaker Mobara, Tebogo Langerman, Sifiso Hlanti.
Midfielders: Hlompho Kekana, Keagan Dolly, Andile Jali, Kamohelo Mokotjo, Dean Furman, Themba Zwane, Bongani Zungu, Aubrey Ngoma.
Strikers: Sibusiso Vilakazi, Percy Tau, Lebogang Manyama, Tokelo Rantie, Thamsanqa Gabuza, Kermit Erasmus.
At ₦1000 and ₦2000, Tickets for the game will be sold from Friday at Akwa United Club house, banks eateries and other outlets in Uyo.
Recall that South Africa denied Nigeria a place at the 2015 AFCON at the same venue in November, 2014. That game ended 2-2.
