By Safiu Kehinde
Unlike the wooden benches at the viewing centres they were accustomed to, residents of Ikorodu, Lagos, enjoyed watching Nigeria’s Super Eagles thrash Egypt at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament.
The Ita-Elewa Youth Centre in Ikorodu, on Tuesday, hosted hundreds of excited football fans drawn from different parts of the ancient town, as they watched the live match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and The Pharaohs of Egypt in their group D opener.
Just as some had anticipated, the Super Eagles did not disappoint the Nigerian fans while those skeptical about the team were silenced all thanks to Kelechi Iheanacho’s lone goal against Egypt.
The 7-time AFCON champions were no match to the Super Eagles who have only won the title three times. Egypt’s talisman Mohammed Salah was completely helpless against the determined Eagles.
Created by the Lagos State Sports Commission under the leadership of Mr Toyin Gafaar Bolowotan, the viewing centre gave the fans a thrilling experience as the blaring speaker engulfed the stadium.
The idea, according to the Commission, is to create an opportunity for Lagos residents to watch all AFCON matches in a safe and secured environment.
Commending the initiative, the Councilor representing Ward C in the Legislative Arm of the Ikorodu Local Government, Hon. Omotayo Awolesi was full of appreciation to the Lagos State Government and the Sports Commission boss, Bolowotan.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles will continue their quest for a fourth AFCON title against Sudan this Saturday. The Falcons of Jedaine were held to a goalless draw against Guinea Bissau. The draw kept Nigeria two points ahead of Guinea Bissau and Sudan respectively.
