The President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed concern over the poor state of stadium facilities across the country, describing the situation as a major obstacle to the growth of Nigerian football.
Gusau made the remarks during an interview with Nigeria and United Kingdom-based journalist Osasu Obayiuwu, where he lamented the lack of standard pitches available for the country’s national teams.
According to the NFF president, Nigeria currently does not have suitable facilities in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for the Super Eagles and other national teams to train or host matches.
“It is a shame for us, as a federation and as a country, that we do not have a pitch of the required standard in Abuja for the Super Eagles and other national teams to train and play on,” Gusau stated.
He noted that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo remains the country’s only dependable venue for international matches due to its consistent maintenance.
“Uyo is the only stadium we currently have for matches, and that is because of the maintenance contract that has kept the facility in good condition,” he added.
Gusau further disclosed that he personally intervened to ensure the continuation of the stadium’s maintenance agreement after the Akwa Ibom State Government reportedly considered terminating the contract because of the high cost involved.
“I had to fight hard to convince the current governor of Akwa Ibom State to renew the maintenance contract. He came very close to cancelling it because he felt it was too expensive,” Gusau explained.
