Late last week, photos surfaced online showing religious activities taking place inside the main bowl of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja. While no one is against the use of the stadium for public events, what sparked outrage was the sight of chairs placed directly on the football pitch — the same turf that was recently renovated at huge public and private expense.

 

Some tried to justify the act, claiming that carpets had been laid before the chairs were arranged. But Box 18 finds that excuse not only weak but completely unacceptable. The turf of a national stadium is sacred ground — not a conference floor. Whether chairs were placed on bare grass or on a carpet, the fact remains: the playing surface should never have been used that way in the first place.

 

In a country already struggling with poor infrastructure maintenance, allowing such carelessness at one of our few world-class facilities is inexcusable. The Moshood Abiola National Stadium is a national legacy and must be treated as such. If non-sporting events must be held there, then the playing surface should be sealed off and fully protected for the duration of those activities.

 

Box 18 will not hesitate to call out Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, to remind them of the urgent task before them — protecting Nigeria’s sports infrastructure from neglect and misuse.

For clarity, the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, formerly the Abuja National Stadium, stands as one of Nigeria’s greatest sports infrastructure achievements. Built at a cost of around US$360 million, with a seating capacity of 60,491, the stadium was designed to host major football, athletics, and multi-sport events.

 

Its conception dates back to the early 2000s, when Abuja was selected to host the 8th All Africa Games (COJA 2003). Construction began in 2000 and was completed in 2003, culminating in a grand opening by then-President Olusegun Obasanjo on April 9, 2003. Designed by Schlaich Bergermann & Partner, the structure was hailed as a masterpiece of modern engineering and a symbol of national pride and unity.

 

After hosting the All Africa Games, the stadium became the home ground of the Super Eagles and other national teams, hosting major qualifiers and international friendlies. It was also opened to cultural and religious events, which, though inclusive, gradually contributed to its wear and tear.

Sadly, by the mid-2010s, neglect had crept in. Facilities such as the velodrome, swimming pools, and indoor halls fell into disuse and disrepair. In 2023, reports revealed that the swimming pools were overrun by frogs, filled with untreated water, and surrounded by broken seats. The stadium that once hosted continental champions had become a shadow of its former glory.

 

Despite this decline, the Federal Government has made several attempts to restore the stadium. In 2024, about ₦12.7 billion was earmarked for Phase I rehabilitation of the main bowl, alongside upgrades for the sports secretariat, high-performance centre, and internet facilities. Additionally, Dangote Industries committed US$1 million for refurbishing the pitch and installing modern turf.

 

With such heavy investment, it is economic sabotage to allow careless use of the pitch for non-sporting purposes.

Dikko and Olopade must remember that the Moshood Abiola National Stadium is not just concrete and grass — it is a symbol of Nigeria’s ambition, unity, and identity through sport. It represents our ability to deliver world-class infrastructure and host major continental events. But its story also warns us: building is only half the job — maintenance, protection, and proper usage are the real tests of leadership.

 

From its grand unveiling in 2003 to its renaming in 2019 in honour of M.K.O. Abiola, the stadium has remained central to Nigeria’s sporting narrative. Yet, if the ongoing rehabilitation is to mean anything, authorities must draw a line: no event — religious, political, or otherwise — should compromise the integrity of the turf.

 

If such events are approved, strict conditions must be enforced to ensure full protection of the playing surface and facilities. Only then can the stadium reclaim its rightful place as a world-class sporting venue and a symbol of national excellence.

 

Box 18 has spoken.

Dikko and Olopade — this one, you must hear.