The President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has expressed his satisfaction with the preparations for the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.
Pinnick, who is also the first Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football, said he received daily reports from the several sub-committees in Egypt preparing for the continental event, and so far all is going just as planned.
“Preparations have been going on very well. I have daily reports from the various sub-committees and the administration.
“I believe that Egypt will put up a spectacular performance in terms of organisation and running of the events because they have invested so much,” — Amaju Pinnick
The Super Eagles qualified for the continental showdown with one game in hand, and have been grouped alongside Burundi, Guinea and Madagascar in the new 24-team AFCON, which is scheduled to kick off on June 21, and run through July 19.
Speaking on the readiness of the Egyptians to receive the continent in late June, Pinnick said the people of Egypt are naturally football loving and would make great hosts when the games begin.
The maiden edition of the CAF tournament which featured only three countries, Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia, was hosted in Sudan in 1957, with Egypt claiming the trophy.
Years later, the tournament was improved to accommodate eight teams, and then 16 teams.
Now with the current 24-team format, Pinnick believes more African countries have been afforded a great opportunity to fight for continental glory.
“The new format also has an economic advantage because the more games you play, the more television rights and the merrier. It has other advantages for football in the continent,” he said.
Featured image source: Punch Ng