Former Super Eagles defender, Uche Okechukwu (Gentle Giant) was the cynosure of all eyes at the weekend, as he paid a surprise visit to the new look Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Okechukwu, who shot to prominence at Senegal ’92 Africa Cup of Nations and went on to captain the Eagles before his retirement, made the visit to the renovated stadium in the delegation of Abia State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu.
The towering ex-player, who starred with Brondby of Denmark and Fernebahce of Turkey at the height of his professional football career, commended Governor Ikpeazu for a good job on reconstruction of the arena, after he and other personalities were led to inspect the former Aba Township Stadium on Friday.
The stadium, which has been under renovation for three years, has occasioned the home team, Enyimba FC of Aba having to play their matches.
Friday’s tour, however, revealed that the edifice appears set for action for the remainder of Enyimba’s CAF Confederation Cup campaign and resumption of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches.
Okechukwu said the new look arena is simply the best and world class, as he commended Governor Ikpeazu for ensuring that the state will enjoy such a facility, which will attract the best of football competitions to Aba.
Okechukwu, who now runs Greater Abia Football Academy in Aba, said: “I have been told about the work going on at the Stadium, and I have also seen pictures on social media, so I decided to come and see for myself.
“What we have here is simply the best. The turf is world class. The facility we have here today will attract the best football competitions to Aba.
“This is lovely and good. I can feel the pitch even as I walk round it. It is very soft. It’s marvellous. I can’t wait to see Enyimba play here again.
“Enyimba FC can now boast of having a world class pitch for their games. Every footballer will like to play here. It is one of the best I have seen. I am happy this is happening in our time.
“I must commend our Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for bringing this world class facility to Aba. It will encourage interest in football and other sports.”
