Ahead of the CAF Confederation Cup final between Orlando Pirates of South Africa and RS Berkane of Morocco at the Godswill Akpabio International stadium, Uyo, this Friday, Governor Udom Emmanuel has directed that tickets for the historic match be distributed to interested fans free of charge.
The head of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Mr. Monday Uko made the disclosure on Tuesday as fans are expected to fill the 35,000 capacity stadium for the highly anticipated clash.
According to Mr. Uko, the move was a deliberate action by the Governor to ease the financial burden on fans who would love to be at the stadium to witness such a memorable occasion.
Meanwhile, a statement from the LOC indicates that the free tickets will be available for pick-up at all the ticket booths at Godswill Akpabio International stadium and the premises of all radio stations in the state as well as the Club House of Akwa United.
This is the first major continental club competition final match to be played at the venue, which is the home ground of Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) side Akwa United.
Interestingly, it seems the fans are already aware of where to pitch their tents due to the presence of a former Akwa United defensive stalwart Olisa Ndah, who is now on the payroll of South African clubside Orlando Pirate.
The 27-year-old will be returning to the warm reception of fans at the home of the Promise Keepers the Godswill Akpabio International stadium (Nest of Champions) after an NPFL title winning season with Akwa United.
Ndah had wrote his name in the hearts of Fans at the Nest of Champions with superlative performances that helped the promise Keepers to a record 18 game unbeaten run plus finishing the season with 71 points the highest in the countries league history.