Latest News
Bago, NFF President Inspect Bako Kontagora Stadium Renovation, Target Niger Tornadoes’ Return to Minna
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has led the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on an inspection of the ongoing renovation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring Niger Tornadoes return to playing their home matches in the state capital.
During the inspection, Governor Bago said the rehabilitation became necessary because the stadium had served the state for decades and required a major upgrade to meet current football standards.
According to him, the immediate priority is to restore the playing surface and other essential facilities to enable 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. That is why we are rehabilitation as the first major overhaul of the stadium’s pitch since its construction, noting that the intervention is Niger Tornadoes continue hosting their home fixtures in Minna rather than playing at alternative venues.
“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. That is why we are carrying out remedial work to make the pitch playable and bring it up to the required standard,” the governor said.
Bago described the ongoing rehabilitation as the first major overhaul of the stadium’s pitch since its construction, noting that the intervention is unprecedented. He expressed confidence that the visit by the NFF leadership would further encourage contractors to deliver quality work 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.
The governor also disclosed that the state government is already making advanced plans to build a modern international-standard stadium, which he said is expected to be completed and commissioned within the next two years.
Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau commended Governor Bago for investing in sports infrastructure, explaining that the federation decided to inspect the of the work being carried out. Our visit is to ensure that the renovation meets the required standards and is completed on time, so that Niger Tornadoes can play their home matches in Minna instead project after receiving reports about the ongoing renovation.
“I am delighted to be here today. When we received information that Governor Bago had commenced work on the Bako Kontagora Stadium, we felt it was important to come and see the progress firsthand and encourage him to do even more,” Gusau said.
He acknowledged the challenges Niger Tornadoes have faced in recent seasons due to the absence of an approved home ground and stressed the need to complete the project on schedule.
“We have discussed with the project manager, who explained the scope of the work being carried out. Our visit is to ensure that the renovation meets the required standards and is completed on time, so that Niger Tornadoes can play their home matches in Minna instead of travelling elsewhere for home fixtures,” he stated.
Gusau also assured the Niger State Government of the NFF’s continued support in developing football infrastructure, expressing optimism that Governor Bago would deliver a befitting modern stadium before the end of his administration.
He added that Niger State’s proximity to Abuja positions it as a potential host for Nigeria’s national teams and major football competitions once the planned facilities are completed.
