Nigeria consider Lagos switch for November Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Nigeria could move their November Africa Cup of Nations home qualifier against Tanzania from Uyo to the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, according to reports.

The Super Eagles have played their home matches at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo since 2022, but the Nigeria Football Federation is understood to be considering a temporary change of venue.

Nigeria’s current qualifying campaign began with a 2-1 home victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium last month. They then suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat by Guinea-Bissau in their second match, one of their most embarrassing losses to another African side.

Their next fixtures will be a double-header against Tanzania. Nigeria are due to host the first match before travelling to Zanzibar City for the return game.

The home fixture could now be staged at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos rather than the usual venue in Uyo. The reason for the possible move has not been confirmed, although the option is reportedly being considered ahead of next month’s matches.

Teslim Balogun Stadium work continues

Lagos was the Super Eagles’ home in the early 2000s and hosted the final of the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations at the National Stadium in Surulere. Cameroon beat Nigeria 4-3 on penalties to win the tournament.

However, Lagos’ stadiums declined significantly over the years amid poor maintenance and corruption.

Soccernet reports that the Teslim Balogun Stadium has since undergone renovation. The ground now has a natural grass pitch, while improvements are also being made to other key facilities.

There is a possibility that the work will be completed by November, when the qualifiers are scheduled to take place. However, the renovations still face the uncertainty of whether they will be finished on time.

The venue has not yet received approval from CAF. The Nigeria Football Federation must complete the required inspection and certification process before the stadium can be used for the qualifier.

It has been a long period since Lagos hosted a Super Eagles match. If the fixture is moved to the Teslim Balogun Stadium and all the necessary work and approvals are completed, the ground is expected to be filled to capacity.