Nigeria revamps Abuja stadium and launches nationwide sports upgrades

The Federal Government, through the National Sports Commission, approved a comprehensive overhaul of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and a series of upgrades to sports facilities across Nigeria. The stadium will receive a new pitch, upgraded tartan tracks, refurbished dressing rooms, a modern media centre, VIP seating, corporate suites, improved security, cooling and heating systems, a new roof membrane, international‑standard floodlights, electronic advertising boards and VAR technology. A high‑performance centre, an anti‑doping laboratory, upgraded medical facilities, two new training pitches and the conversion of a 200‑bed athletes’ hostel into a hotel complex are also part of the plan.

Funding will be raised through a National Sports Infrastructure Development Bond approved by President Bola Tinubu. Commission Chairman Shehu Dikko described the projects as a "bold step towards restoring Nigeria’s sporting glory," while Director‑General Bukola Olopade said, "This is beyond infrastructure renewal, it is about building a complete sports ecosystem that supports talent discovery, athlete development, job creation, and global competitiveness."