Weah, Drogba, others to play at Gov. Ambode farewell football match

As part of his send forth and to appreciate his contributions to sports development, some former Nigeria internationals have concluded arrangement celebrate Lagos State Governor, His Excellency, Akinwunmi Ambode on March 15 and 16 in Lagos.

 Speaking at a press briefing, a former Nigerian international, Waheed Akanni said the charity match between Africa XI and Naija Legends is to celebrate Gov.

Ambode’s excellence in sports development.
According to him, Liberia president, George Weah and former Chelsea star, Didier Drogba as well as George Essien, Kolo Toure and Stephen Appiah are some of the African legends to face their Nigerian counterparts which include Nwankwo Kanu, Samson Siasia and Austin Jay Jay Okocha alongside Ifeanyi Udeze, Henry Nwosu and others at the renovated Onikan Stadium.

 “As internationals, we have seen the infrastructural developments in Lagos under Gov Ambode. The Onikan Stadium that has been abandoned over the years is under reconstruction to meet FIFA standard.

“Teslim Balogun Stadium is undergoing similar reconstruction while the Agege and Epe Stadiums are in fantastic shape not to talk of the Maracana Sports complex in Ajegunle.

“These and other laudable efforts of Gov Ambode in providing sports infrastructure, we believe, are aimed at providing the enabling environment for youths to thrive and achieve their dreams in sports,” explained the former Super Eagles player.
Akanni further hinted that part of the proceeds from the event will go into supporting families of distressed ex Nigerian international players.

“If you go around, you will see several former footballers who served this country in several capacities but unable to meet up in life. We will support their children’s education where ever possible.”

Another former international, Samson Siasia explained that 21 African legends are expected to storm Nigeria for the match in honour of governor Ambode.

Former Wimbledon forward, John Fashanu added that the ex-Nigerian internationals would partner with Sia One Football Academy and other academies in the country to hunt for talents as reservoir for the various national teams.

 Some of the other former stars of the Beautiful Game in the continent who have been approached to join include; Senegal’s El -Hajj Diouf, Ghanaian duo of Michael Essien and Stephen Appiah. Former French star, Christian Karembu is also on the card to storm Lagos.

A representative of Drogba who flew into Lagos for the media session lauded the project of celebrating African former legends and urged organizers of the project to provide adequate security and logistics for the invited former African stars.
Present at the event which held at the Regent Hotel inside Ikeja GRA were former Green Eagles captain, Henry Nwosu, Tajudeen Disu and Ifeanyi Udeze.