Leave or take it, after the ground breaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players Hostel and Training Pitches ceremony on Tuesday, March 18, incumbent NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau has written his names in gold in the annals of Nigeria Football.

Gusau, has done what many before him could not do or started but did not bring to fruition. 

The step Ibrahim Gusau Led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) took is a major step toward rapid development of the game of football in the country. With the  groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Players’ Hostel and new training pitches in Abuja, the world will stand still for Gusau when the edifice will be completed in 24 months time. 

The ground breaking event which is a milestone one, was performed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas (GCON). It marks a significant achievement under the leadership of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.

The NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel, once completed, will feature:

• Two wings (A and B)

• 62 single rooms

• Four suites

• Two executive suites

Additionally, the project includes:

• Two new training pitches (one synthetic, one natural grass)

• Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch

• 1,838-seat spectator terraces

• Two dressing rooms for players (each accommodating 27 players)

• Two dressing rooms for officials

The 24-month project is being funded by FIFA Forward 3.0, the world’s largest football development program.

Launched in 2016 under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, FIFA Forward was designed to increase investment in football, develop tailored projects, and ensure financial transparency. The FIFA Forward 3.0 initiative focuses on:

• Global Football Growth – Expanding tournaments and grassroots football

• Technological Innovation – Enhancing VAR, AI, and digital broadcasting

• Inclusivity & Diversity – Strengthening women’s football and fair play

• Financial & Infrastructure Development – Supporting federations and building sustainable football projects. 

NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed excitement about the project, calling it a game-changer for Nigerian football. He emphasized that the hostel and training facilities will enhance team management and significantly reduce costs.

“From the beginning, we knew exactly what we wanted to do with the FIFA Forward 3.0 fund. This project will transform our national teams and leave a lasting legacy,” Gusau said.

If completed within 24 months, Gusau’s administration will be remembered for delivering a historic first in Nigerian football infrastructure.