"Travel Contest - Have You Been Here (Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, Nigeria)”

Have you ever been there? Where you may ask? An international stadium in your country? Yes, I've been there, and I've been privileged because one of the international stadiums is located in my state and city. So it won't cost me much in terms of resources to visit there. The structure from the picture shown above will give you a glimpse that it's a no-nonsense stadium.

It was built by one of the most praised governors in my state. It was my first time visiting the place. Let me take you around, though I didn't go there to tour. I went there to view a friendly match, backed up by the opening of a foundation.

It was the foundation opening of one great Nigerian player, and this opening was backed up by a friendly match between footballers and Nigerian celebrities. It was the best moment I've had I a year then, seeing some celebrities I'm not opportune to see. People like;

• Ebuka, Host of Big Brother Niger

Sabinus popular Nigerian comedian

• Pocco Lee, a popular Nigerian artiste
• Odumodu Black, a popular Nigerian Artiste
• Trost Ekong, a popular Nigerian footballer
• Nwabalii: Popular Nigerian best goalkeeper and the likes

This was why I visited this place—unknown to me that these celebrities would be there. I was thinking it's a normal play by Nigerian footballers. I visited there once and already love the place. Why?

I like the place because it's very spacious as an international stadium should be and located in a reserved place, not a place that's so motorable and common for conveying passengers. It gives dignity to the place more like how it's done in an airport. The location and structure are not easily feasible.Aside from the spaciousness and location of the place, the structure is just on another level.

The stadium is built with perforated materials that are ductile and strong. From the gate to the interior is just having these American standard vibes. I also love the orderliness in parking cars. The football audience view is just normal; soft plastic chairs and a window-screen television help you see the speaker or performer on both ends.

Looking at the field, it's constantly maintained to shape and colour as international players do flock in. It's one of the biggest I've seen in my state, and that's where live matches are played. Though I wasn't opportune to watch the match between Nigeria and South Africa there, I hope to someday.

Though I didn't go there to tour, I actually saw some public facilities that made me feel comfortable. Some of which are the toilets and bathrooms. There are most toilets you go to, public to the masses, that are repulsive. Sometimes the repulsiveness is due to the uncivilised habits of some guests and the lack of workers in that facility. There are always workers there to make that place secure and clean.

This makes me find the toilet facility comfortable for me. Unusual things happen in the toilet, especially when foreigners and indigenous people meet. The high level of security up to that extent was a yes for me. This is one of the facilities I find comfortable, as the name implies—convenient or rest room.

Another facility I find comfortable is the audience view. No matter where you sit, you are able to view the whole field. You may not need to stand up, leading to embarrassment because of not being able to have a clear view. I give them accolades for structuring it in such a way that the highs and lows are stable and perfect.

Another facility that's public are the checkpoints. There are more than 10 checkpoints to ensure users are unarmed and the personnel there are polite and respectful that they don't go beyond boundaries, abusing or harassing people in the name of searching. I actually felt more comfortable undergoing such checks in those facilities.

Other facilities not mentioned as they are private include;

• The dressing room for ballers and athletes
• The stage
• Offices etc.

On a normal ground, the gate fee is free, as anyone can visit and tour the place, but in the case of important events holding in the stadium, there's usually an entrance fee of 200 naira to 2000 naira,[0.6 steem to 6.4 steems]** depending on the type of event held, for regulars. VIP tickets are quite expensive, though not expensive for someone who wants comfortability.

These VIP are reserved slots to aid view. It's usually in front. The first time I visited the place to view a match, I didn't pay a dime as it was a ticket-paid event by the governor of my state.

Basically, you don't need a recommendation to go to an international stadium because it's actually a place you get to see live views aside from your screens. The entertainment is just there as you get to see players visibly. The structure, the comfort, and the views are just so perfect, and you won't need to do a rethink if you have your transportation fare in place. I invite @whizzbro4eva, @basil20 and @johnmitchel to join this contest.

For location purpose, this is the Google Map link

Cc,
@irawandedy