Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, will represent President Muhammadu Buhari at Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying showdown between Nigeria and Zambia in Uyo.

Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, made the disclosure in a statement by Ademola Olajire, its spokesman, saying it learnt on Friday morning that Fashola would fly into Akwa Ibom on Saturday.

He noted that Fashola, a former governor of Lagos State, frequently hosted the grand finale of the Federation Cup (now AITEO Cup) competition and was a notable football enthusiast.

NFF spokesman said that top officials had also confirmed that President of the Senate, Mr Bukola Saraki, and Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Solomon Dalung would be in attendance.

“Chairmen of the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Sports, Mr Obinna Ogba and Mr Goni Bukar Lawan will also be guests at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium.

“The host, Governor Udom Emmanuel and members of the Akwa Ibom Cabinet, NOC President, Mr Habu Gumel and Members of NFF Executive Committee and Management will also be present,’’ he said.

Nigeria is three points ahead of second-placed Zambia going into the penultimate day of the African qualifiers.

Super Eagles require only the minimum win against the Chipolopolo on Saturday to join 10 other nations that have already qualified for the 32-team football showpiece in Russia in 2018.

NAN