… Ogbemudia Stadium to host games if bid is successful

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has declared his support for the bid by Nigeria and Benin Republic to host the 2027 edition of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The governor, in a video message supporting the joint bid by the two countries, noted that Edo State is endorsing the bid and is ready to provide necessary support to host games at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, which is one of the proposed grounds for the biennial tournament.

According to him, “My name is Godwin Obaseki, the Governor of Edo State, which is located in the South-South region of Nigeria. The government and citizens of Edo State wholeheartedly endorse the joint bid by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Football Federation of Benin Republic, to host the 2027 edition of the AFCON.

“Edo State, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, including the famous Benin bronzes which are now being repatriated, has a deep passion for football. In Edo State, we have some of Nigeria’s brightest football talents and we also have a proud football legacy.

“Over the years, we have made significant investment in sports infrastructure including the world-class Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium complex, which is equipped to host this landmark event. We have also developed grassroots football facilities including mini stadia across the various local government areas.

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“Edo State boasts of top-notch hospitality and tourist attractions and a warm and welcoming populace. We are fully prepared to welcome Africa to Benin City and throughout Nigeria. We commit to make the necessary upgrades in our facilities to ensure a successful and memorable AFCON 2027.”

He added: “Our business community and other key stakeholders are looking forward to contributing to the success of this historical event. I want to assure the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executives that Edo State stands firmly behind Nigeria and Benin Republic in their effort to host Africa and to deliver an exceptional sporting spectacle.”

Roberto Calendar, the agent of Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, on Tuesday said he “reserves the right to take legal action” against the club.

Calenda’s threat came after a video mocking the player was posted and then deleted from the Serie A side’s official TikTok on Tuesday.

He released a statement on messaging platform X, formerly known as Twitter, saying the video caused “very serious damage to the player”.

READ ALSO: Osimhen Misses Penalty In Napoli’s Goalless Draw With Bologna

“What happened today on Napoli’s official profile on the TikTok platform is not acceptable.

“A video mocking Victor was first made public and then, but now belatedly, deleted,” said Calenda.

“We reserve the right to take legal action and any other useful initiative to protect Victor.”

Napoli did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside normal business hours.

READ ALSO: Netizens Blast Napoli For Mocking Osimhen In Video

Osimhen missed a late penalty kick in a goalless draw against Bologna in Serie A on Sunday.

He was substituted as the game drew to a close and appeared to protest the decision, shouting at coach Rudi Garcia before leaving the pitch.

Later on the French manager, however, played down the situation.

Champions Napoli are seventh in the standings and play Udinese at home on Wednesday.

Team Edo has continued to harvest more medals in the ongoing National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State as the state on Monday won three golds and one silver medals in Scrabble and Gymnastics contest respectively.

The feat has brought to 10 the total medal won as at Tuesday afternoon by Team Edo in the youth sports festival.

Nwanbuzor Joy of Edo in the signle scrabble female category overcame all oppositions to pick the Gold medal

The little Joy won all her 10 rounds to edge out the highly-rated Sophia Ekeruche of Lagos State who took home the silver medal, while Chukwuemeka Victory of Anambra state won the bronze medal.

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In the gymnastics events, the duo of master Solomon Aliu and Excel Ocheke picked gold and silver medals respectively for Edo in the floor exercise.

Team Edo also emerged top to cart home the gold medal in the gymnastics team gold event for male.

In track and field events, the duo of Ogemuni Success and Anita Enaruna Itohan, representing Edo on the female category wA keep have qualified for the semi final in the 100m female race, while Onosetale Oforoh qualified for the the semi finals in the male category.