24th September, 2012
In a bid to meet the internationally acceptable standard, the Rivers State Commissioner for Sports, Fred Igwe, says the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium would soon be re-grassed with natural grass.
Speaking while on an inspection of the Stadium, Igwe said the 40,000 capacity stadium would be made of natural grass to enable the stadium meet international standard.
“If you remember, there is no stadium with natural grass in the whole of Niger Delta region except Calabar Stadium where the Super Eagles have been playing their matches for some time now.
“In fact, I understand that international athletics meet cannot hold on an artificial turf, while many international footballers cannot play on artificial turf.
“If we fail to use natural grass, this massive edifice would be useless,” the Commissioner stressed.
He stated that Governor Amaechi had wanted natural grass for Adokiye Stadium from the beginning.
The ultra-modern stadium is one of the landmark projects of Governor Chibuike Amaechi’s administration and is named after the former Super Eagles player, Adokiye Amiesimaka, a lawyer, in recognition for his contribution to the growth of football in Nigeria.
—Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt