In celebration of the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, the state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has thrown open the gates of the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto Abeokuta, inviting fans to come and support the Nigeria Falconets as they take on Lioness of Senegal in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.
The government says the gesture was in the mood of the 50years celebration of the state to give residents of the state a sense of belonging.
The qualifier, originally scheduled to take place at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, was relocated to the MKO Abiola Sports Complex in Abeokuta due to the poor condition of the Ibadan pitch.
The Honourable Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, announced the move on Friday, urging fans to turn out in large numbers to cheer the team to victory.
Isiaka said the state government is committed to ensuring that the female team receive the necessary support to excel on the international stage.
The match is expected to be a thrilling encounter, with both teams vying for a spot in the FIFA U20 World Cup billed to hold in Poland.
The Ogun State Government's gesture is seen as a boost to the team's morale, and fans are expected to respond positively.
Isiaka posited that the fans presence would not only boost the morale of the players but also demonstrate the collective commitment of Ogun State to sports development.
According to him, the government is committed to ensuring that all national teams playing in Abeokuta receive necessary support to excel on the international stage.
He urged fans to come early to secure their seats and be part of the exciting encounter.
"The Nigeria Falconets' encounter against Senegal is a crucial one, and the team needs all the support it can get to secure a win. With the Ogun State Government throwing open the gates, fans are expected to seize the opportunity and show their support for the team.
"This is history making, the Falconets have never missed out on any world cup qualifier, therefore, Ogun State government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure they qualify once again. Abeokuta is the home of football and we must show the world that we are a football loving state.
"The governor's gesture is in the mood of the ongoing 50th anniversary of the State and sports as one of the key mantra of the I.S.E.Y.A of Mr. Governor, we are giving Ogun State residents, especially Abeokuta people to have a feel of the celebration."
Th second leg comes up in Dakar, Senegal on February 14.
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