Two people are feared dead while 20 others suffered various degrees of injuries during a stampede at the inauguration ceremony of a new stadium in Akwa Ibom state, the News Agency of Nigeria is reporting.
It is not clear yet what caused the stampede but an international friendly between the home-based senior national team of Nigeria, Super Eagles B, and the U-23 National Team of Ghana, the Black Meteors, was fixed to mark the ceremony.
“It is possible football fans were scrambling to enter the stadium to watch the match. That’s what I heard,” an Uyo resident, who said he is on his way to the facility, said.
The President of Ghana, John Mahama and the Ivorian Head of State, Alassane Ouattara were all expected in Uyo to open the new edifice.
Apart from Presidents Jonathan, Mahama and Ouattara, a number of governors from across Nigeria are expected, while the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Melvin Pinnick and some Executive Committee members and Management staff arrived Uyo on Thursday evening.
The 30,000 – capacity venue, with a bullet –proof State Box that has 70 seats, has been described by the Vice President of Ghana Football Association, Fred Crentsil (who was sent by CAF to inspect the venue) as being “among the best you can find anywhere in the world”.
Governor Godswill Akpabio, who is the chief host, is showcasing the majestic facility, which has already been approved by the Confederation of African Football for the crucial 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier between Nigeria and South Africa on November 19, as one of the key infrastructure he has delivered for the oil-rich State. ...PremiumTimes
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