As the only FIFA/CAF-approved stadium in Nigeria for international football matches, Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo has been a key venue for the Super Eagles, Akwa United, and several clubs competing in continental tournaments, including Rivers United, Enugu Rangers, and Enyimba.
Commonly referred to as the Nest of Champions, it was recently recognized by CAF as one of Africa’s top stadiums and given approval to host matches for neighboring countries without certified facilities.
However, concerns over the poor state of the pitch have continued to grow, especially after Enyimba’s recent continental fixture against Al Masry of Egypt.
Players and officials were surprised at the pitch’s deteriorating condition, which significantly affected the flow of the game.
Despite a maintenance agreement between the Akwa Ibom State Government and Julius Berger—the construction company responsible for the facility since its opening in 2014—the playing surface has suffered visible damage.
A Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) official revealed that the federation has urged the Akwa Ibom State Government to address the issue before it worsens, emphasizing the need for expert intervention.
“The state government has a committee in charge of the stadium’s upkeep, and we want them to assess the pitch and resolve the problem areas,” he said. “I don’t know if Julius Berger has specialists in grass pitch maintenance, but there are many experts in the country who can fix this.”
Responding to the concerns, Akwa Ibom State Football Association Chairman, Samuel Umoh, confirmed that Julius Berger has already begun maintenance work on the stadium, including the pitch.
However, the ongoing football season has made it difficult to carry out a full-scale renovation. “Ideally, the stadium should have been temporarily closed for repairs, but this hasn’t been possible due to Enyimba and Akwa United’s matches,” Umoh explained.
Despite these challenges, the contractor has assured stakeholders that the pitch will be restored to optimal condition.
With the stadium being Nigeria’s only approved venue for international games, officials remain hopeful that swift action will be taken to preserve its reputation as a world-class football facility.
