As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has approved free entry for football fans at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Abeokuta, for the Nigeria Falconets’ clash against Senegal in the first leg of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers on Saturday.
The Ogun State Government said the decision was in the spirit of the golden jubilee celebrations, aimed at giving residents a sense of inclusion while rallying massive support for the national women’s team.
Originally billed for the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, the qualifier was relocated to Abeokuta following concerns over the poor condition of the Ibadan pitch.
Announcing the development on Friday, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Wasiu Isiaka, called on football lovers across the state to turn out in large numbers to cheer the Falconets to victory.
Isiaka reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting women’s football and ensuring that national teams hosted in Ogun State receive the necessary backing to succeed on the international stage.
He described the encounter as crucial, noting that strong fan presence would not only boost the players’ morale but also underscore Ogun State’s growing reputation as a hub for sports development.
“The Falconets have never missed a World Cup qualification, and the Ogun State Government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that proud record is sustained,” Isiaka said. “Abeokuta is a home of football, and this is an opportunity to show the world that Ogun State is truly a football-loving state.”
According to the commissioner, the free-entry gesture aligns with the ongoing Ogun @50 celebrations, with sports being a key pillar of the I.S.E.Y.A. agenda of Governor Abiodun’s administration.
He urged fans to arrive early to secure seats and be part of what promises to be an exciting and historic fixture.
The return leg of the qualifier is scheduled to hold in Dakar, Senegal, on February 14, with both teams battling for a ticket to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.