Abuja Stadium, venue of the Eighth All Africa Games

Abuja, Oct 4, GNA - The new National Stadium in Abuja, which is expected to host the opening and closing ceremonies of the Eighth All Africa Games and indeed most of the sports at the competition is "a show piece and a national pride." That was how my Nigerian friend, Emeka Njoku described the imposing edifice which according to reports was constructed within the space of 24 months. It is an all-seater, all-covered 60 thousand capacity stadium and meets the requirements of FIFA, the International Olympic Committee and the International Amateur Athletic Association. A significant feature of the venue is that the roof is made of a membrane that corresponds with the local climatic conditions. So even when it is closed the temperature will remain normal without generating any extra heat.

The Abuja Stadium has 58 corporate suites and a presidential lounge with terraces for viewing and contains an ultra modern associated media facilities, including an international Broadcasting Centre. More significantly, the main Games venue is complete with a photo finish equipment to eliminate any controversies in placements during races. There is also , of course, a state of the art electronic score board. There is a parking area, which is linked by a road network that intersects one area with the other, while stalls, sheds and stores are available for traders to provide a comfortable support for spectators. For security reasons, the stadium has a police post and a helipad to accommodate helicopters in cases of need and emergency. (FROM: Richard Avornyotse, GNA Special correspondent in Abuja, Nigeria)