Nigeria, Ghana match: 12,000 tickets up for sale
Organisers of the Nigeria/Ghana international friendly have released 12,000 tickets for the match slated for Feb. 6, at the Brendford Stadium in London.
Mr Rotimi Pedro, Chief Executive Officer of OSMIL, a sports promotion firm packaging the match, told newsmen today in Abuja that it would be beamed live to Nigeria and Ghana.
He said that the broadcast rights for the match had been taken care of while the encounter was expected to bring out the best from both countries.
He gave the ticket denominations as 22 pounds and 27 pounds while VIP stand would attract 60 pounds.
``We plan that a cultural festival will preced the match because both countries share many cultural identities; besides, the world is already looking forward to the match, '' he said.
Pedro said that both countries would be required as a condition, to field their strongest squads, adding that Ghana might parade its players in the European league.
He said that players would have no problem in securing their release from the clubs since the choice of London for the match was to serve as an easy link for players from all parts of Europe.
``If Nigeria is serious about winning the Nations Cup, the match must be approached with zeal because Ghana is now in top form as it has not lost any match after the World Cup,'' he said.
He assured Nigerians that the contracts had been signed with Ghana and NFA while approvals had been given by the British Police, English FA and the stadium management.
``What we are doing for Nigeria is to combine our business with social responsibilies to the huge soccer-loving people, even though it's a big challenge to us, '' he said.
OSMIL had in 2005 organised the Nigeria/Brazil friendly match in Abuja, but at a loss.
``That match was a loss to us but we are proud that OSMIL became the first firm to bring Brazil to Africa for an international encounter,'' he said.