Even a 1 nil loss by the U-23 national team, the Black Meteors, to their Nigerian counterparts at the newly inaugurated 30,000 capacity Uyo Stadium in Akwa Ibom state was not enough to dim celebrations involving host Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Alassane Quattara and Ghana’s John Dramani Mahama.
The friendly match was the first sporting event after President Jonathan inaugurated the new stadium.
At the end of the match, Ghanaian President, John Mahama, presented gold medals to the Super Eagles for winning what was tagged the ‘Transformation Cup’, Ivorian President; Alassane Ouattara presented the silver medals to the Ghanaian team whiles President Goodluck Jonathan handed over the trophy to the Eagles.
Black Meteors Coach, Malik Jabir lauded the home-based Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory explaining the Nigerians played better considering he had only two weeks to prepare his team. The Super Eagles’ Coach, Daniel Amokachi, thanked Gov. Akpabio of Akwa Ibom for building a world class facility for the state and Nigeria.
Ghana’s former president Jerry John Rawlings was also present at the inauguration ceremony.
