Speaking with journalists, Dikko said the Abuja National Stadium would be the first to undergo the upgrades, with Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, and possibly Uyo also slated for renovation.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko has confirmed that major stadiums across Nigeria are set for a world-class makeover as the same European contractors behind iconic pitches at Juventus, AC Milan, and Real Madrid have been engaged for the project.
Speaking with journalists, Dikko said the Abuja National Stadium would be the first to undergo the upgrades, with Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, and possibly Uyo also slated for renovation.
The project represents a major step in elevating the quality of sporting infrastructure in Nigeria to international standards.
“It’s the same quality of pitch and technology (in Morocco for the AFCON)that we are scheduled to put in the Abuja stadium,” he said.
The pitch would meet specifications similar to those used in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, providing a modern, high-standard playing surface for athletes.
Dikko explained that Nigeria could have been the first African country to install such advanced pitch technology, but procedural delays slowed the process.
“We should have been the first in Africa, before Morocco, if not for the fact that we had to align with due process requirements to procure the project, since the people handling it are coming from abroad and this is their first project in Nigeria,” he explained.
The NSC chairman further revealed that the contractors, who have worked on some of Europe’s most iconic football stadiums, have already conducted inspections at the Abuja National Stadium.
“They came to Nigeria to inspect the Abuja stadium and took the sand and water to Europe for testing, and all is now set,” Dikko confirmed.
He emphasised the pedigree of the contractors, stating, “The same people that did the AC Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid pitches are the same people coming to do ours.”
This ensures that the renovations would be carried out to international standards, bringing the stadiums in line with global best practices for pitch quality and durability.
Dikko said the renovation would be executed in phases, beginning with Abuja before attention shifts to other key venues, including Ibadan, Kaduna, Lagos, and possibly Uyo.
This phased approach is aimed at ensuring quality and proper monitoring of the projects as they progress.
The NSC chairman added that all preparations had been completed and the project was ready to commence, signalling a significant upgrade in Nigeria’s sports infrastructure.
The renovated stadiums are expected to host both national and international competitions with world-class facilities and playing surfaces.