By Ijendu Iheaka
Aba (Abia) – A group tagged “Concerned Enyimba of Aba Supporters” on Monday urged Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia to expedite action on the completion of the Enyimba International Stadium Complex in Aba.
In a statement signed by the group’s Chairman and Secretary, Mazi Ike and Ibe Kachi respectively, the group said this was necessary so as to help curb youth restiveness in Aba.
“It is surprising that the state government abandoned the project, in spite of the fact that the club had placed the state on the football map in the continent,’’ the group said.
It stated that support for the club and revenue from gate-takings could form part of the revenue needed for the completion of the project.
The group said it was regrettable that the football club had in the last two seasons played all its matches away from home.
It argued that the displacement had affected the club, leading to its losing its top position among clubs in the national league.
“Enyimba International Football Club remains the flagship football club in Abia, judging from the number of trophies it had won, especially at the continental level. Hence it deserves a better treatment.
“We were happy when equipment for the construction of the stadium started arriving in Aba. But since the delivery, the project has been abandoned.
“All efforts to unravel the reason behind this has not yielded any response. But, as supporters, we demand a quick completion of the project,” the group said.
It said since the stadium, when completed, would generate revenue for the state, it was necessary to mobilise the contractor to site as soon as possible.
“This is important because of the upcoming Confederation of African Football (CAF) competition the club will be playing in as from February,’’ the group said.
The supporters also called on the state government to do something urgent to complete the project because they (the supporters) have missed watching their darling club in Aba.
The group however commended the state government for the various projects it was handling presently, especially in Aba, saying completing the Enyimba Sports Complex would complement them.(NAN)