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“It Is a Shame” — NFF President Ibrahim Gusau Decries Poor Stadium Facilities in Nigeria
Ibrahim Gusau, president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating state of football stadiums and training facilities across Nigeria, describing the situation as a major obstacle to the growth of the sport in the country.
Gusau made the remarks during a conversation with Nigeria- and UK-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwu, where he lamented the lack of standard pitches available for the country’s national teams.
According to the NFF boss, the situation is particularly troubling in Abuja, where he said there are currently no suitable pitches for the Super Eagles and other national teams to train or 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 dependable venue for international football matches in Nigeria because of its consistent maintenance structure.
“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 also disclosed that he personally intervened when the Akwa Ibom State Government considered ending the stadium’s maintenance agreement due to its high cost.
“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.
The NFF president said he appealed to the governor to preserve the legacy established by previous administrations, adding that he was pleased the agreement was eventually renewed.
“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.”
