NFF President Laments Poor State Of Stadium In Nigeria

NFF President Laments Poor State Of Stadium In Nigeria 

Sampson Adedeji 

Nigeria Football Federation president Ibrahim Gusau has lamented the poor state of stadium facilities in the country, describing it as a major setback for the development of Nigerian football, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Gusau made the remarks during a chat with Nigeria and United Kingdom-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwu, where he expressed concern over the lack of standard pitches for the country’s national teams.

According to the NFF president, Nigeria currently lacks suitable facilities in the capital city, Abuja, for the Super Eagles and other national teams to train and play matches.

“It is a shame for us, as a federation, and a country, that we have no pitch of the needed standard in Abuja for the Super Eagles and national teams to train and play on,” Gusau said.

He noted that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo remains the only reliable venue for international matches in the country due to its consistent maintenance.

“Uyo is the only stadium we have for matches, and it is because of the maintenance contract that it is in good order,” he added.

Gusau further revealed that he had to intervene to ensure the continuation of the stadium’s maintenance agreement after the Akwa Ibom State Government considered terminating it due to the cost involved.

“I had to fight hard to get the current governor of Akwa Ibom State to renew that maintenance contract. He came very close to cancelling it because he felt it was too expensive,” Gusau explained.

“I had to tell him that it would not be a good legacy to discontinue the good work of his predecessors. I am happy he listened to my advice.”