Abuja witnessed a landmark moment on Tuesday as the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, officially inaugurated the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium.
The event, attended by key figures in politics, sports, and business, signified a major step in Nigeria’s football infrastructure development.
On a bright afternoon in Nigeria’s administrative capital, dignitaries and football stakeholders gathered to celebrate this transformative project. The initiative, backed by FIFA, aims to provide world-class facilities for Nigeria’s national teams, reducing costs and improving team management.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” Speaker Abbas said as he cut the tape to officially mark the commencement of construction.
FIFA’s representative, Gelson Fernandes, emphasized the organization’s commitment to infrastructure development, stating that FIFA, under President Gianni Infantino, prioritizes projects that enhance football growth globally.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed his joy, noting that the project aligns with his administration’s vision for football development. “Providing top-notch facilities is essential for sustained success. This project will enhance team management, reduce costs, and enable more grassroots football investments,” he said.
The ceremony also featured goodwill messages from prominent figures, including Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; former Sports Minister Chief Sunday Dare; and Nigerian football legend Olusegun Odegbami, who spoke on behalf of the country’s football icons present.
Distinguished guests included the Ambassador of the UAE to Nigeria, His Excellency Salem Ali Shamsi; former Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh; NFF 2nd Vice President Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye; and members of the NFF Executive Committee. Nigerian football legends such as Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Precious Dede, and Stella Mbachu also graced the occasion.
Representatives of Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, the Inspector General of Police, and the Ambassador of Morocco to Nigeria were also in attendance, further underscoring the project’s national importance.
The NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and training pitches mark a significant investment in Nigeria’s football future, ensuring that national teams have access to world-class facilities to compete at the highest level.
