The Lagos State government has increased the number of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, viewing centres from 15 to 20.
The Special Assistant to the State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Sports, Mr Damilare Orimoloye disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday.
Orimoloye, at the monthly ‘Keep Fit Lagos’ programme organised by the state government, promised that Lagos residents would have more to cheer during the AFCON matches.
“The idea to increase the AFCON viewing centres across Lagos State is in line with the THEME plus agenda of Gov. Sanwo-Olu, which emphasises on social inclusion.
“The idea is that our people will have the opportunity to go out and mingle while watching the AFCON 2023; people will come out to interact with other football fans.
“This project will increase bonding and networking among our people in a more friendly environment.
“We now have five additional centres added to the previous 15 which makes a total of 20 centres across Lagos, which will enhance more proximity so that more people will come out”, he said.
READ ALSO: Yemi Alade to perform at AFCON 2023 opening ceremony
The Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, noted that more side attractions had been introduced at the viewing centres.
“Last two years, we had 15, but this time around we are making it 20 centres and we will continue to expand.
“Lagos government is ready to provide all the needed support to the people as dictated by Gov. Sanwo-Olu. We want to increase the atmosphere of bonding in Lagos State.
“The centres will be opened at 3.00 p.m and will remain open until the last match is played. The centres are not for Nigeria’s fixtures alone, but all the matches of AFCON 2023.
“Other incentives include feeding of the spectators, drinks, pop corn, among others. It’s going to be an exciting moment for football fans in Lagos during AFCON 2023”, Gafaar assures.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles of Nigeria Coach, Jose Peseiro on Saturday said that the duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi have arrived Cote D’Ivoire for the 2023 African Cup of Nations beginning today in Abidjan.
Peseiro disclosed this in Abidjan at the team’s news conference ahead of the country’s first game of the competition on Sunday.
He lamented that it is unfortunate that a couple of players picked up injuries at the more crucial stage of the competition.
