Enyimba, Pillars contest for glittering trophy

Activities leading up to Sunday’s inauguration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan will hit fever pitch this evening with a football match between CAF Champions League trophy aspirants Enyimba FC of Aba and Kano Pillars at the National Stadium, Abuja.

Organizers have thrown in the extra incentive of a glittering trophy and the match is expected to be explosive from start to finish.

Two of the biggest football clubs in the country will set alight the National Stadium mainbowl from 6pm, with President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo expected to be in attendance. President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Aminu Maigari will present the two teams to President Jonathan before kick-off under floodlight.

The President will lead a large delegation of government officials, cabinet ministers, captains of industry, members of the Diplomatic Corp and other dignitaries who will sit inside the Presidential Box.

A number of Heads of State and Governments from other countries, who will attend Sunday’s inauguration of President Jonathan, are also expected to be on hand.

The Presidential Inauguration Ceremonies Committee has perfected plans for an entertaining evening at the mainbowl, one of the most impressive football arenas in Africa.

Officials say star musicians, including ‘Koko Master’ D’Banj would be on hand from the early afternoon to keep the fans rollicking and comfortable.

Saturday’s visit will be the first time that President Jonathan will visit the arena since becoming the country’s number one citizen a little over a year ago. He is however, familiar with the structure as a regular guest while he was Vice President.

Enyimba FC will be clad in all-white while Kano Pillars will dorn their familiar yellow stripes. Last night at the pre-match meeting, officials of both teams expressed gratitude for the honour done their clubs to play for the President.

Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation and a former Team Manager of the National Senior team, Chief Mike Umeh will be the Match Commissioner. Centre Referee is Benjamin Ode, with Bosede Momoh as 1st Assistant and Anthony Gbileka as 2nd Assistant. The Fourth Official is Joseph Okeke.