By Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja
Chairman bid committee for the hosting of FIFA U20 Women World Cup, Mainasara Ilo has expressed thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari for accepting to host the rest of the world in the FIFA U20 Women World Cup billed for 2020.
Ilo a veteran in organizing competitions of this magnitude said the Muhammadu Buhari led administration has displayed its love and care for the youths by endorsing the country’s bid to host the next edition of the competition.
He noted that President Buhari through his indefatigable Vice Professor Yemi Osinbajo gave the world football governing body the reason to award Nigeria the hosting right without a second thought with the express approval and commitment by the federal government when the international body led by Heyral Kaj Jurgen visited the country on inspection of the facilities.
He said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria’s assurance of 100 per cent in support of the bid by the country to host the 10th FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in 2020 by His Excellency, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo declared in Abuja on Thursday was amazing.”
He noted that the Government of Nigeria guaranteed to back the bid 100 per cent given the numerous youths of the country to rejoice.
For the Vice President to say “We are actually excited with the prospect of hosting the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup in 2020; for us, football is a unifying force. Government interest in hosting is beyond commercial; football is a measure of unity and well-being of our people as diverse as we are” is all that FIFA needs from any country bidding to host its competition no matter the level.
He also commended the NFF President Amaju Pinnick for his worthy representation of the country and indeed the African continent in FIFA.
The former Director of Organization in the Abuja 2003 8th All Africa Games noted that the presence of Pinnick at the world body is a blessing for the country.
Ilo organized the very successful 2009 FIFA U17 men world cup hosted in Nigeria where great players like Neymar, Coutinho, Ben Alfa, etc were paraded.
It could be recalled that the Vice President stated that His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari is an ardent football lover and is excited about Nigeria hosting the tournament and is in full support of the bid.
