20th July, 2011
More facts have emerged why Ijebu Ode International Stadium, Ogun State, always record low turnout in any continental championships or Nigerian league matches.
Sunshine FC of Akure, who temporarily used Ijebu Ode stadium for their league matches do not enjoy home support as other other clubs like Kano Pillars, Heartland FC do in their various home grounds.
P.M. Sports observed that few people came to watch Sunshine FC and Motema Pembe FC of Congo in the CAF Confederation Cup held on Saturday at the Ijebu Ode stadium.
Adeshina Jaiyesimi, former board member of Ogun State Football Association, told P.M. Sports that the low turnout at the stadium was caused by lack of awareness about the CAF Confederation Cup.
“I cannot blame the people of Ogun State because there was no awareness about the competition. I expect the people in charge to go to various places in the state to create awareness by distributing handbills and sensitise the people about the competition. That is the only way people can come to the stadium to cheer Nigeria’s club to victory,†he said.
The former player of Water Corporation FC also blamed the media in the state for not living up to expectations.
“Even the state radio and televisions stations are not focusing on the championship, so how would people know about it? I pray and hope that things will change for better in the next game,†he said.
—Sunday Akintoye