In a resolute statement, the Honorable Minister of Sports, John Owan Enoh, has affirmed that the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja will remain the preferred venue for hosting matches of the Senior national team, the Super Eagles.
Addressing concerns about the state of the pitch, Minister Enoh emphasized the ministry’s commitment to addressing the existing challenges and ensuring that the stadium meets the standards required for top-tier international matches.
“Trusted as a ministry in trying to find out what it takes for this playing turf to host and to have grade A matches played in it.
It’s important to say this because going forward, the next World Cup qualifiers for the next World Cup that involve the senior national team are going to resume about June of 2024,” Minister Enoh stated.
Expressing his reservations about holding matches outside the MKO Abiola Stadium, Minister Enoh emphasized the need for the national team’s games to take place on their home turf.
He highlighted the significance of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers and stressed that the ministry would work diligently to ensure that the pitch and facility are in optimal condition for these critical matches.
“I do not think that it’s going to be right for matches of the senior national team to continue to be held outside this stadium, outside this venue. I think that even if we have cause once in a while to go outside of Abuja, let it not be because of the state of the pitch or the state of this facility. Let it be because some other calculations favour and indicate so,” Minister Enoh asserted.
With an eye on the June 2024 World Cup qualifiers, Minister John Owan Enoh’s unwavering commitment signals a proactive approach by the sports ministry to ensure that the MKO Abiola Stadium stands as a beacon for Nigerian football and a fitting stage for the Super Eagles’ pursuit of international glory.
Plans are underway to undertake necessary upgrades, addressing concerns and fostering an environment conducive to top-level football on home soil.
