Delta State Governor, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has described the first international flight into the Asaba International Airport as momentous as it brought back the Super Eagles from South Africa after qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

He spoke on Sunday morning while receiving the Super Eagles on arrival at the Asaba International Airport after their qualifying match for AFCON with the Bafana Bafana football club of South Africa.

Governor Okowa, who spoke through his Chief of Staff, Hon. Tam Brisibe, stated: “This is momentous bearing in mind that the flight successfully took the Super Eagles to South Africa and came back without hitches.”

“It is more gratifying to note that the Super Eagles trained at the Stephen Keshi Stadium before leaving for South Africa through the Asaba Airport; they went to South Africa and qualified for Cameroon 2019,” the governor said.

He added: “The principal thing was qualifying for Cameroon and by God’s grace, we have qualified for AFCON, we congratulate the Super Eagles for making Nigeria proud.”

President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Mr. Pinnick Amaju, said he was excited that FIFA has approved the Stephen Keshi Stadium for international football competitions, adding that it was a thing of pride for the Super Eagles to travel through the Asaba International Airport.

“When it was announced yesterday (Saturday) that we are boarding and flying to Asaba, it gave me great joy, it shows that God rules supreme in Delta State, we have qualified for AFCON and we are going to Cameroon to make great impact,” Mr. Amaju said.

“On behalf of NFF, I thank the Governor and the good people of Delta State for their show of enthusiasm since the Super Eagles came, that stadium is wonderful and the Super Eagles will beat Uganda in their friendly match, remember that the Ugandan Team has also qualified for AFCON,” he further said

Special Project Director of Asaba International Airport, Chief Austin Ayomedejo, said: “I feel excited, we give God the glory for using the Governor of Delta State, Senator Dr Ifeanyi Okowa to achieve this great fit; what is more important is that we have been upgraded to Category C airport, which allows bigger aircraft to land.”

•Super Eagles players and officials upon arrival at Asaba International Airport Delta State. Photo: Jibunor Samuel

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