National Sports Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko says the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja will have one of the best playing pitches in Africa when its ongoing rehabilitation is completed.
Dikko gave the assurance while providing an update on the stadium project, saying the facility is expected to be ready next year.
According to the NSC chairman, the budget for the project has been awarded as part of the Federal Government’s wider plan to improve sports infrastructure across Nigeria.
The Abuja Stadium has been a major concern for Nigerian football in recent years, particularly because of the poor condition of its main playing surface.
The Super Eagles have had to use other venues for several of their home matches because of concerns over the Abuja pitch.
Dikko has previously said the new Abuja pitch will use the same quality and technology deployed for the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Federal Government approved the redevelopment of the stadium’s main bowl earlier this year, with the project covering the pitch and other important facilities.
The approved plans also include the rehabilitation of the tartan tracks and improvements to other sections of the stadium.
The 60,000-plus capacity Moshood Abiola National Stadium was built to host the 2003 African Games but has struggled with maintenance and infrastructure challenges over the years.
The latest development is expected to bring renewed attention to the venue, particularly with Nigeria continuing to work toward improving facilities available to its national teams and athletes.
Dikko’s assurance also comes at a time when the NSC is pursuing stadium upgrades in other parts of the country, with facilities in several states included in the broader infrastructure programme.
For Nigerian football, a properly maintained Abuja pitch would provide another potential home venue for the Super Eagles and other national teams.
Sports247 gathered that the Abuja Stadium is expected to be ready next year, with the NSC chairman expressing confidence that the new playing surface will meet a high standard when the project is completed.
