Nigeria is set to witness a major transformation in its sports infrastructure as the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirms plans to overhaul key stadiums across the country to meet international standards.
NSC Chairman, Malam Shehu Dikko, disclosed that the Abuja National Stadium will be the first to receive the facelift, with Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, and possibly Uyo also lined up for renovation. According to him, the same European contractors responsible for iconic pitches at Juventus, AC Milan, and Real Madrid have been engaged for the project.
Speaking with journalists, Dikko described the development as a significant leap for Nigerian sports, noting that the pitch technology to be installed in Abuja is similar to what is currently being used at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. He said the goal is to provide athletes with a modern, high-quality playing surface that meets global specifications.
Dikko explained that Nigeria could have been the first African country to adopt the advanced pitch technology, but due process and procurement requirements caused delays. He added that the foreign contractors, handling their first project in Nigeria, had already inspected the Abuja stadium and taken samples of sand and water to Europe for testing.
Emphasising the calibre of the project, Dikko noted that the contractors’ pedigree guarantees world-class delivery. The renovation will be carried out in phases, starting with Abuja before extending to other selected stadiums to ensure proper monitoring and quality control.
He confirmed that all preparations have been completed and work is ready to begin, expressing optimism that the upgraded stadiums will soon be capable of hosting major national and international sporting events with facilities comparable to top venues around the world.
