Uyo fans excited over Atletico Madrid, Super Eagles clash

After beating Olympique Marseille 3-0 to win the Europa League final on Wednesday, football fans in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, are looking forward to see the LaLiga giant, Atletico Madrid, who will engage Super Eagles in the inaugural GOtv MAX Cup on Tuesday at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

Speaking about the team’s visit, football fans in the city said they are delighted that Uyo is the first Nigerian city to host the new Europa League winners and 2013/2014 LaLiga champions. They equally stated that they are thrilled at the opportunity to see, on Nigerian soil, the players they have been watching on television.

Inyang Bassey, a fan, said: “I am very happy that Atletico Madrid is coming to Uyo. I would definitely be at the stadium to watch the team. I pray and hope that the Super Eagles give a good account of themselves.”

Another fan, Sunday Ndifreke, thanked MultiChoice for facilitating the visit of Atletico Madrid, adding that he is an admirer of their manager, Diego Simeone.

“I want to sincerely thank MultiChoice for putting together the GOtv MAX Cup in Uyo. I am a fan of Simeone because his team always gives everything. I definitely would be at the stadium,” he said.

On his part, Samuel Okon, who confessedto be a fan of Atletico Madrid, said the GOtv MAX Cup represents a dream fulfilled. Okon said he would watch the match with his brother, who is also a supporter of the Spanish team when they play the Super Eagles in Uyo on Tuesday.

LaLiga President, Javier Tebas said: “Once again, LaLiga’s total commitment to fans around the world is evident.

This is a historic announcement and we’re very happy to share it with our Nigerian fans.

Atletico, one of LaLiga’s most important clubs, will be in Nigeria and will give the local fans out there the opportunity to enjoy the stars close up. Africa, and Nigeria are very important to LaLiga and are also great fans of Spanish football, which we are very proud of.”

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ B Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, has invited 23 players, among them highly –rated Plateau United striker Tosin Omoyele and Katsina United defender Destiny Ashadi.

There were also call-ups for Akwa United FC goalkeeper Olorunleke Ojo, Enyimba FC forward Isiaka Oladuntoye, FC IfeanyiUbah defender Adeleye Olamilekan and Lobi Stars’ duo of Olufemi Kayode and Ebube Duru.

A sprinkle of foreign –based actors, including the nimble –footed Alhassan Ibrahim, former U-17 World Cup –winning captain Musa Muhammed and the Nwakali brothers (Chidiebere and Kelechi) was also included.

All invited players are expected to arrive at the Bolton White Apartments Hotel, Abuja today before the contingent moves to Uyo at the weekend.