The Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Malam Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that comprehensive renovation works will soon begin at some of Nigeria’s major stadiums.
Dikko made the disclosure while speaking with veteran sports journalist Osasuo Obayiuwana, revealing that the initial phase of the project will cover the Abuja National Stadium, with Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna and possibly Uyo also included.
According to the NSC chairman, the pitch and technological standards to be installed at the Abuja stadium will match those used in Morocco for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“It’s the same quality of pitch and technology used in Morocco for the AFCON that we are scheduled to install at the Abuja stadium,” Dikko said.
He explained that Nigeria would have implemented the project earlier if not for the need to comply with due process requirements, noting that the contractors are foreign-based and this will be their first project in the country.
“The same people that handled the pitches for AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid are the ones coming to do ours,” he added.
Dikko further revealed that the technical team had already visited Nigeria to inspect the Abuja stadium, with samples of sand and water taken to Europe for testing, confirming that all preparations are now complete.
“Abuja will be the starting point, and once it comes out well, Kaduna, Ibadan and Lagos are next on the list. We will work with state governments to redo their stadium pitches. Even Uyo might be affected,” he stated.
He, however, emphasized that sustainability would be crucial to the success of the project.
“Maintenance will be the key. There must be a solid 10–15 year maintenance plan in place from the beginning,” Dikko concluded.
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