By George Aluo
As world soccer governing body, FIFA considers Nigeria’s bid to host next year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, one key area that would play a major role in determining whether or not Nigeria gets FIFA’s nod apart from the availability of the needed facilities is that of security.
The NFF and those driving Nigeria’s bid know this much and are already mapping out strategies to make sure this sensitive area is well taken care of.
When FIFA officials came last week to inspect facilities in the host cities the country is putting forward for the event, the NFF chief security advisor, CP. GB Umar was one of the top officials that went round with them and the police chief is confident there is nothing to worry about.
Umar who spoke exclusively to The Nigerian Xpress Sports after the FIFA visit said there won’t be any issues over security.
READ ALSO: FG, HOMEF prepare youth to tackle effects of climate change
The CP who is in charge of Interpol Bureau in Abuja said all the people that would be coming to the country for the soccer fiesta should Nigeria get FIFA’s nod have nothing to fear as the country is safe.
He pointed out that the police would not be carrying out the security job alone during the tournament as there would be collaboration amongst all the security agencies.
Umar was quick to point out that hosting international sporting event in Nigeria, especially football has never been a problem because virtually every Nigerian love the game and speak the same language when it comes to football.
“You know sports, especially football is a big unifying factor in our country. From what I saw during the FIFA inspection, Nigerians are enthusiastic about our hosting the event and would cooperate fully with us to ensure we host well.”
READ ALSO: Sanwo-Olu to inaugurate cabinet members Tuesday
Continuing Umar said: “Let me tell you, we know the importance of security when you are hosting a tournament of such magnitude. I was with the FIFA people all through their visit to inspect the facilities we are putting forward.
The Nigerian police would ensure we play our role very well and we would be collaborating with other security agencies to ensure everybody is safe. We have what it takes to do that and our country is safe for those that would be coming. In the area of facilities, all the state governments expressed their desire to host and put everything needed to host in place. There isn’t really much to do and this is why I m sure we will get the hosting right. At the federal level, you can see the federal government has fully thrown their weight behind the bid. The Vice President Prof. Yemi Osibanjo clearly stated this when he met the men from Zurich. When we get the hosting right, all we would be doing is to perfect strategies on how to host and host well and we won’t go to sleep over security, I can assure you of that,” Umar said.
It would be noted that FIFA inspectors are due back in the country in four months time for another round of inspection ahead of the tournament billed for September next year. The NFF has proposed Lagos, Benin, Asaba and Uyo as host cities.
