By 

Patrick Ngwaogu 

In a bold move to restore Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure to international standards, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, has unveiled ambitious plans following a series of strategic engagements in Europe aimed at revitalizing the country’s stadiums and pitches.

 

Speaking after a weeklong visit to several European cities, Dikko disclosed that high-level meetings were held with one of the world’s top stadium infrastructure groups—renowned for building and managing elite stadiums and training facilities globally. These talks culminated in an agreement that will see the team of experts visit Nigeria for on-site assessments, beginning with the National Stadium in Abuja.

 

“The team will help us rehabilitate our pitches to the best international standards, beginning with Abuja,” Dikko said. “This partnership goes beyond infrastructure—it includes technology transfer and training of local talent to ensure sustainability, job creation, and support for the sports economy.”

 

In a significant Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) gesture, the European partner has also pledged to donate quality pitches being decommissioned in Europe for installation in Nigerian schools and community facilities, boosting grassroots sports development.

 

This initiative falls under the broader Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE)—a core element of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The initiative aims to modernize Nigeria’s sporting infrastructure through a blend of public funding and private sector collaboration, including the “Adopt a Sports Facility” program.

 

Currently, the Godswill Akpabio Stadium (Nest of Champions) in Uyo is the only Nigerian stadium certified for international matches—an issue Dikko attributes to poor foundational decisions, lack of maintenance, and outdated concepts in stadium development.

 

To change that narrative, the NSC is prioritizing the rehabilitation of the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, followed by a phased revitalization of several other major venues, including:

• Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna

• Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan

• Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu

• Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi

 

Additionally, the long-awaited concession of Lagos’ National Stadium, Surulere to a private investor is nearing completion.

 

The NSC also envisions transforming select stadiums—Abuja, Kaduna, Ibadan, and Lagos—into “Sport Cities”. These will be fully integrated complexes featuring hotels, malls, convention centers, offices, residences, and other entertainment infrastructure, creating an ecosystem that not only fosters sports development but drives economic growth and employment.

 

To professionally manage this overhaul, a National Sports Infrastructure Development and Management Board will soon be established, comprising experts from relevant sectors.

 

Dikko assured that, barring unforeseen setbacks, the Abuja stadium pitch and core infrastructure will be ready to host international events by September/October 2025—a milestone that will mark Nigeria’s re-entry into the global sporting stage.

 

“We are grateful to Mr. President for empowering us to pursue this ambitious but necessary transformation,” Dikko stated. “This is a road never traveled before at this scale, but it is a fundamental step in resetting, refocusing, and relaunching Nigerian sports.”

 

As Nigeria sets its sights on reclaiming its place in global sports, the NSC’s renewed drive may signal a long-awaited renaissance for a nation with immense sporting potential.