By Amaechi Agbo

20 countries from across Africa will converge in Ibadan the Oyo state capital South-West Nigeria from July 8 to 17 for the second edition of the Africa Mini Football Cup of Nations, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

The Coordinator of North-Central Zone of the competition, Mr Batako Umar Lapai in an exclusive interview with Bestchoicesports.com.ng Tuesday said that Nigeria will host the second edition in Oyo state because it is the only state in the entire country that currently has mini football facilities as well as playing turf.

He added that Nigeria has gotten the approval of the Africa Minifootball Confederation, AMC, the body in charge of the sport in the continet to host the competition.

“We have gotten approval for the hosting rights from the Africa Minifootball Confederation, AMC for the hosting rights and the dates have been fixed for 8 to 17 July, 2021.

“The state that is going to host the event is Oyo state because that is the only place we ha e artificial turf for mini football in Nigeria.

“The first ever Mini Football artificial turf in Nigeria is in Ibadan so it is the only state that has the facilities to host the competition right now in the country.

“The facilities for the hosting of the games are being upgraded to meet the required standard,” said.

He added that the pitch is 100% ready for the competition.

The 20 countries that will participate in the competition include host Nigeria and defending champions, Ivory Coast

Other countries are Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Zambia, Egypt and Morocco, Mozambique, Libya, Mali, South Africa, Algeria Djibouti, DR Congo, Burkina Faso, Benin, Somalia Kenya
Each country is expected to come with a 25-member contingent

Meanwhile, Mr Lapai added that a delegate of the Africa Mini Football Confederate, AMC will arrive Nigeria in May to inspect facilities ahead of the competition.

“The delegates will aside inspecting facilities in Ibadan will also pay a courtesy call on the minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare on May 18-20. In their schedule are also visits to the Senate committee chairman on Sports and the NFF.

Ivory Coast won the maiden edition of the competition held 2018 in Libya. Nigeria came 4th behind Senegal and Tunisia.