Get Guardian on GoogleThe Godswill Akpabio International Stadium will wear a new look when the Super Eagles of Nigeria take on Tanzania in the first leg of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier double-header on Friday.
For the first time in 12 years, the 30,000-seater Stadium in Uyo will have digital LED boards pitch-side as the stadium gets a facelift days before the crucial tie against the Taifa Stars.
Before the installation, adverts of the national team sponsors were displayed on wooden boards around the stadium, which critics have called out as degrading, as it falls short of best practices.
However, the days of wooden boards are set to be over at the stadium with the completion of the digital LED boards around the pitch of the stadium.
Technicians were seen doing finishing touches to the installation in a video circulating on social media on Monday, four days before the Super Eagles take to the pitch in a must-win clash against Tanzania. In the video, groundsmen were also seen working extensively on the pitch to put it in pristine condition before the match.
The Super Eagles take on the Taifa Stars on Friday evening as they look to get their AFCON qualification back on track following the disappointing matchday 2 outcome against Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria are condemned to secure maximum points against Tanzania, who have already qualified for next year’s tournament, as one of the host nations.
Six points against the Taifa Stars revive the Super Eagles’ chances of reaching the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda next summer.
The three-time African champions cannot afford to drop points in both legs or risk missing out on the Africa Cup of Nations next year.
Meanwhile, Eric Chelle has arrived in Uyo, and preparation for the double-header commences on Tuesday, with the 24-man invited squad expected in camp from Monday.
