In a major step toward fulfilling President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s directive to refurbish and upscale sporting infrastructure nationwide, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Mallam Shehu Dikko, has commenced an ambitious transformation project, beginning with the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

Following his facilities tour and engagements with international experts in Europe in April 2025, a delegation from one of Europe’s foremost stadium infrastructure development and management firms arrived in Nigeria for a three-day on-the-spot assessment of the stadium from May 13 to 15, 2025.

The group—renowned for its work on elite sporting venues such as Allianz Arena (Bayern Munich), Juventus Stadium, Santiago Bernabéu (Real Madrid), and San Siro—joined the NSC Chairman, Director of Facilities Mohammed Rabiu, Director of Finance and Accounts Mustapha Ladan, and other technical personnel to inspect the stadium’s pitch, drainage and irrigation systems, dressing rooms, and other facilities at the main bowl.

This visit is part of a broader collaboration aimed at executing a comprehensive refurbishment and upgrade of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium to FIFA-approved international standards. The experts will also propose a sustainable maintenance plan to ensure long-term functionality and prevent infrastructure decay.

Key aspects of the envisioned project include the transfer of modern sports facility management technology, training of Nigerian personnel, and the creation of local jobs, aligning with the NSC’s goal to build a vibrant sports economy through world-class infrastructure.

Work on the stadium is projected to commence in September 2025 and is expected to last three months, pending the completion of all technical assessments and necessary administrative processes.

Speaking during the inspection, an upbeat Mallam Dikko said the project marks a crucial turning point for Nigerian sports.

“The President has mandated us to upscale our sporting infrastructure, and we have no other choice. The sports economy revolves around quality infrastructure, and that is what we are determined to deliver—starting with the Moshood Abiola Stadium. But we must do this right, learning from past mistakes,” Dikko stated.

“This project will serve as a proof of concept. Once complete, we will replicate this model across the country. It is unacceptable that only one stadium in Nigeria meets FIFA standards. That must change,” he added.

The Moshood Abiola Stadium upgrade is the first in a series of nationwide facility overhauls aimed at laying the groundwork for Nigeria’s sports renaissance and leveraging sports as a driver of economic growth.