Godswill Akpabio Nest of Champions Stadium

Posted : 12 July 2023

Godswill Akpabio International Stadium arguably should be ranked as the best stadium in Nigeria.

The magnificent sporting edifice Located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is arguably the most beautiful stadium in Nigeria, with a seating capacity of 30,000 spectators.

This ultra-modern complex is often likened to the Allianz Arena due to its impressive architectural design, without gainsaying, the stadium was fashioned after the iconic structure, only that the Bayern Munich ground is bigger in size as it seats about 70,000 spectators.

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium first named as ``Nest of Champions'' is the first stadium in Nigeria to be designed as all-seated and located in the central business district of Uyo, the capital city of oil rich, Akwa Ibom State.

To fully underscore the importance of the stadium, it was given an automatic ticket to hosting all the matches of the senior national football team, and upon commissioning has served meritoriously as the deserving home to the Super Eagles of Nigeria, although besides sporting activities, the stadium also serves as home to various social cultural and religious events.

At conception, the then Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Godswill Akpabio administration awarded an estimated and whopping sum of $250,000,000.00 (Two hundred and fifty million dollars) contract for the construction of the stadium in 2012 to Julius Berger Plc with the project slated to be completed in 2014.

The stadium was designed as a 30,000 seater ultra modern multi-purpose sports complex, modelled after Allianz Arena, a football stadium in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, with a 75,000 seating capacity.

Apart from the football pitch, a 400 metre running track for athletic events and other sporting facilities were part of the structure.

The magnificent sporting edifice, though missing the deadline of 2014, was completed and handed over to the State by the contractor, Julius Berger in 2015 as Gov. Udom Gabriel Emmanuel renamed Akwa Ibom Stadium as Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, immediately following his inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2015, in the stadium.

The renaming was done in honour of the person that birthed the idea of the stadium, Godswill Akpabio, who had become the immediate past governor of the state.

The edifice by the initiator, Gov. Godswill serves as number one in Nigeria and ranked among the best in Africa as well.

The construction giant, Julius Berger was given the responsibility for the architectural design, execution planning, as well as constructional supervision of the stadium, as well as maintenance.

The stadium because of its gigantic structure was modeled to seat on 48 hectares of land.

Inside the facility was built with the very first in history of Nigerian Stadium some unique features such as bullet proof VIP/VVIP sections and collapsible seats for the spectators.

The stadium was also equipped with two digital score boards, digital playback screens, digital flood lights, and 30 emergency exits, this is in compliance with International acceptable standards.

The Akwa Ibom International Stadium meets the requirements of the International safety standards because it is equipped with emergency service units (to enable exit within 6 minutes), closed circuit security cameras as well as crowd control steel fencing.

In terms of structure, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium was equipped with two phases which includes a 400m-running track for athletic events, this is expected to be the pilot part of Uyo Sports Park development, and is enclosed by a white triangular-shaped outer covering that encircles the whole spectator stand.

The East Stand and Curves inside the stadium were designed to seat approximately 22,500 people.

Also, the Governors’ Lounge was framed with a sitting capacity for between 30 and 40 VVIPs and is strategically located in the Grand Stand on level Two. Perhaps the most interesting part is the Helipad strategically located for the VVIP.

The place was constructed to carry little more than 30,000 spectators whether for soccer or track and field events, while the Grand Stand can comfortably accommodate about 7,500 spectators, including the VIP/VVIPs. While there in the stadium are two standard dressing rooms for home and away teams with changing rooms for match officials and other match commissioners together with ambulance bay to cater for the emergency movement of players, officials and spectators.

There is also a six-lane track built specifically for athletes to train.

Other facilities included graduated box office and media facilities with ambience floodlights, the stadium also has eight-lane 400m standard track and warm-up facility with six-lane 400m track.

Providing power supply is a standby power supply system to complement the public power supply. There are also stand-by fire fighting equipment and metal detectors which have been put in place to avoid any misfortunes.

The stadium upon opening was slated to host the AFCON qualifying series between Nigeria and South Africa on November 17 while the players were all ecstatic about playing on the lush green turf of the stadium.

When it comes to approval, Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is always first to be reckoned with by CAF and FIFA not only because of its supposed architectural masterpiece, but because its facilities were designed to be long durable to withstand continuous usage.

Most of the Nigerian international and ex international have all spoken fondly of the stadium which of course has been the delight of sportsmen and women.

Describing the stadium, former two-time African Footballer of the Year, Kanu Nwakwo described the stadium as a replica of some best stadiums around the world.

``Whenever I visit the stadium, it reminds me of those beautiful stadiums I have played during my days.

``It's a glory that we have such stadium in Nigeria and I hope other States will also seek to upgrade their stadia to such International standards,'' he said.

The Eagles Technical Adviser Jose Peseiro made his assessment of the 30,000 - capacity Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo also known as the Nest of Champions as a world class stadium with modern facilities.

The Portuguese tactician who was in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital as a guest for the NPFL Match Day 35 between Akwa United and Plateau United on Saturday, was guided on a tour of the stadium facility on Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports and Chairman of Akwa United Football Club, Elder Paul Bassey.

The Portuguese alongside his assistant, Acacio Santos inspected the natural grass in the main bowl, the two training pitches, dressing rooms, referees room, conference rooms, the stadium environment among others.

Speaking after the inspection tour, Peseiro said he was impressed with the facilities at the stadium, adding that despite being used weekly by Akwa United and Dakkada FC for their NPFL matches, the quality of the pitch as well as the facilities have been properly maintained.

"This is a good stadium, feels like Europe and the standard of facility is world class.

``I came here to watch the match and to check the stadium and I must say that the stadium is big and in a nice condition."

Pressed, if he will recommend the stadium for the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the coach said "I am happy that aside Abuja stadium we have another big stadium here, I am going round to inspect the stadia we have in Nigeria and at the end I will give my advice and the NFF will take the decision, it is not up to me," he added.

The Portuguese had complained about the poor turf of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja, prior to the Super Eagles 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone a few weeks ago and the Super Eagles will face the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau in their next game in the qualifiers in September.

Godswill Akpabio Nest of Champions Stadium

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