MKO Abiola Stadium to get facelift ahead of 2025 NSF

Posted : 26 September 2024

The largest stadium in Ogun State, the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, will soon have a new look ahead of the 22nd National Sports Festival, tagged '2024 Gateway Games.'

This exciting news was made public by the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports, Honourable Isiaka Wasiu.

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Wasiu explained that work has already started at the stadium, and it will be completed before the commencement of the Sports Festival in January.

“We are installing a brand new ultra-modern tartan track. We will also re-grass the stadium, as well as construct a standard Olympic-size swimming pool, alongside the construction of new tennis courts and handball pitches,” the Commissioner said.

He stated that the State Government is taking the right steps to deliver a world-class event in January.

“The Ijeja Sports Complex is also receiving attention. We are giving the basketball courts in Ijeja a complete makeover, the table tennis hall is undergoing renovation, as well as other facilities in the Complex,” he added.

Honourable Isiaka Wasiu mentioned that the administration of Dapo Abiodun aims to make Ogun State the top destination for Sports Tourism.

“Besides upgrading these sporting facilities at the MKO Abiola Stadium, we also plan to construct hostels for athletes within the stadium.”

“Once the upgrading of the MKO Abiola Stadium is completed, it will be ready to host not only local and international football matches, but also major swimming, tennis, and handball championships, to name just a few.”

The State Government wants other African countries and states of the Federation to use the new facilities for a fee.

“These new facilities will be managed by top sports management firms that will generate revenue for the government and ensure they last beyond this administration.”

"It's a long-term project that will help grow the sporting economy of the State," Wasiu emphasized.

The 10,000-capacity MKO Abiola Stadium was commissioned in November 1988, and it has hosted events such as the CAF Women's African Nations Cup finals, the Senior West African Football Union Championship, as well as state-owned and private football clubs, including the Gateway Football Club and Abiola Babes International Football Club, among other notable competitions.

“The National Sports Festival is not just about football or sports; we are integrating culture, fashion, and tourism into the event. Ogun State is rich in these areas, and we will showcase them during the 22nd National Sports Festival.”

Other sports facilities across Ogun State will also be upgraded before the start of the Festival, the Commissioner emphasized.

Regarding the State’s readiness to host and compete at the National Sports Festival, Wasiu said, “I can assure you that the State will be fully prepared for the festival, both in terms of facilities and hosting a hitch-free event, as well as our participation.”

“We are developing homegrown talents, and the last National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, is a sign of what to expect from Ogun State at the Festival in January.”

"The best shooter and wrestler at the Youth Games were from Ogun State, and that's our goal—to produce top athletes who will not only dominate the Festival but also bring glory to Nigeria.”

MKO Abiola Stadium to get facelift ahead of 2025 NSF

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