Nigeria is preparing for a major upgrade of its sports facilities, with the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja taking centre stage.
The stadium, a long-standing symbol of Nigerian sports, is set to undergo renovations costing over N24 billion, drawn from the N203.6 billion allocated to the National Sports Commission (NSC) in the 2026 federal budget.
President Bola Tinubu presented the N58.18 trillion “Budget of Restoration” last year, and Nigeria’s sports budget for 2026 has seen an impressive 300 percent increase compared to the N78 billion approved in 2025.
This surge reflects the government’s determination to revive the nation’s sports infrastructure while supporting major national and international competitions.
Plans to Revive the Moshood Abiola Stadium
NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko had aimed to begin renovation work by the end of 2025 as part of a broader strategy to bring Nigerian sports facilities up to international standards.
The stadium, which opened in 2003 during former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administration, had been deemed unfit for hosting senior national team matches and other high-profile events.
Between 2020 and 2022, the stadium underwent renovations, with Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote contributing $1 million toward restoring the main bowl.
Local contractors carried out the work, which included the installation of Pure Dynasty Paspalum grass, two digital scoreboards, 24 sprinklers, nursery beds, and a two-year maintenance plan through a public-private partnership.
Challenges With the Current Pitch
Despite these improvements, the stadium’s pitch deteriorated within a year, forcing the Super Eagles to relocate their home matches to the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The team’s last game on the Abuja pitch was a 1–0 loss to Guinea-Bissau on March 24, 2023, a match where former coach José Peseiro and several players criticized the playing surface.
2026 Budget Allocation for Sports
The NSC’s 2026 budget focuses heavily on stadium rehabilitation and other key infrastructure.
A significant portion is set aside for the first phase of upgrading the stadium’s main bowl, while additional funds are dedicated to completing a high-performance centre for athletes and providing internet connectivity across the stadium and other national sports facilities.
There is also a substantial allocation for constructing a new sports secretariat at the stadium.
Built between 2000 and 2003 at a cost of $360 million to host the 8th African Games, the stadium has a seating capacity of 60,491, with a lightweight roof covering the stands.
Preparing for International Competitions
Nigeria’s sports ambitions extend beyond infrastructure.
The NSC has allocated funding for the country’s participation in the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for late July to early August.
Plans are also underway to intensify preparations for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, alongside participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Football remains a priority, with the NSC budgeting for Nigeria’s participation in the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the upcoming 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, and other FIFA tournaments for both men’s and women’s national teams.
A New Era for Nigerian Sports
With these investments, Nigeria is entering a new chapter in its sporting history.
The ambitious projects are not only set to restore the country’s flagship stadium but also aim to provide world-class facilities for athletes, positioning national teams for stronger performances on both continental and global stages.
Sports fans across the country can expect an era of modernized infrastructure and renewed optimism for Nigerian sports.
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