News
Bago Targets Minna Return for Niger Tornadoes as Stadium Renovation Nears Completion
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring Niger Tornadoes return to playing their home matches in Minna, saying the ongoing rehabilitation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium will be completed within the next 30 days.
Governor Bago made the pledge while leading Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Musa Gusau on an inspection tour of the renovation works at the stadium.
The governor explained that the facility, which has served the state for several decades, had deteriorated over time, making urgent intervention necessary to meet the standards required for elite football competitions.
“We have managed this stadium for a long time. It has outlived its usefulness, but we do not want Niger Tornadoes to continue playing their home matches outside Minna,” Bago said.
“That is why we are carrying out remedial work to make the pitch playable and bring it up to the required standard for the club to continue playing in Minna.”
He disclosed that the current project represents the first major upgrade of the stadium’s playing surface since it was built, describing the rehabilitation as unprecedented in the state’s history.
According to the governor, the visit by the NFF leadership has further strengthened the government’s resolve to ensure the project is completed within schedule.
“The work currently being carried out is unprecedented. The coming of the NFF has encouraged us to do even better. We have interacted with the contractors, and we expect the project to be completed within the next 30 days,” he added.
Beyond the immediate renovation, Bago announced plans to construct a brand-new international-standard stadium in Niger State, expressing optimism that the facility would be completed and commissioned within the next two years.
The rehabilitation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium is expected to end years of uncertainty for Niger Tornadoes, who have been forced to play their home fixtures at alternative venues because their traditional home ground failed to meet licensing requirements.