Moshood Abiola National Stadium upgrade to gulp N24bn from NSC’s N203bn budget

In a significant move to restore Nigeria’s sporting pride, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has earmarked ₦24.6 billion for the comprehensive upgrade of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.

This allocation is a key component of the NSC’s ambitious ₦203.6 billion budget for the 2026 fiscal year—a historic 300% increase from the previous year’s funding. The investment marks a turning point for the nation’s premier sporting facility, which has faced years of deterioration and maintenance challenges.

The Abuja National Stadium, once a symbol of Nigeria’s sporting excellence since its opening in 2003, has recently been deemed unfit to host major international matches, including those of the Super Eagles. The 2026 upgrade aims to bring the facility back to global standards by addressing critical infrastructure needs:

• World-Class Pitch: The NSC has engaged elite European contractors—the same firms responsible for iconic pitches at AC Milan, Juventus, and Real Madrid—to install advanced pitch technology.

• Infrastructure Overhaul: Beyond the playing surface, the funding will cover the renovation of the main bowl, digital scoreboards, and spectator facilities.

• A “Sports City” Concept: Under the leadership of NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, the plan extends beyond simple repairs. The goal is to develop a 24/7 ecosystem around the stadium, featuring commercial hubs and recreational spaces to ensure the facility generates its own revenue.

The ₦203.6 billion budget represents the “best budget for sports in 60 years,” reflecting President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to using sports as a tool for national unity and economic growth.

The decline of the Abuja stadium forced the national team to relocate home matches to Uyo, a move many saw as an embarrassment for the capital city. Previous private-sector interventions, including a $1 million contribution from Aliko Dangote, provided temporary relief but suffered from a lack of sustainable maintenance.

By taking a state-led, comprehensive approach in the 2026 budget, the Federal Government aims to ensure that “facelift” projects are replaced by long-term structural integrity.

With work expected to commence fully in early 2026, the NSC is also exploring concessioning options to ensure that once the ₦24 billion upgrade is complete, the stadium never falls into disrepair again. For Nigerian fans and athletes, this investment is more than just a budget line—it is a promise that the “Home of the Eagles” will once again fly high.