Sports

Vandalization Of Moshood Abiola Stadium: Investigative Committee Submits Report

Published

3 years ago

May 10, 2022

By Joel Ajayi

The Presidential Investigative Committee on the vandalism of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium on Monday submitted its report to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.

In his submission, the Chairman of the Committee, DIG Sanni Mohammed (Rtd) thanked the Federal Government through the Minister for finding the committee members worthy of the assignment, stating the Committee adhered strictly to the terms of reference and did its utmost to make far-reaching recommendations.

The Chairman revealed that in the course of their assignment, the Committee undertook a physical inspection of the Stadium, and went through its investigation adopting standard best practices. He advised that in subsequent committees of similar jurisdiction, the terms of reference should include powers to investigate “any other incidental matter relating to the subject matter”.

Throwing some light on the Committee’s recommendations, he stated thus, “One of our key recommendations is that protocol and security officials should be involved in the planning stage of future events or tournaments while the sale of bottled water and canned drinks should be banned within the precincts of the Football pitch as they can be weaponized,” DIG Mohammed (Rtd) emphasized.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ismaila Abubakar went down memory lane to narrate how the unfavorable outcome of the Nigeria-Ghana World Cup qualifier match led to the vandalism of parts of the Stadium which necessitated the setting up of the investigative Committee. He expressed optimism that the report will assist the Ministry in preventing future recurrence.

The Minister in his response after receiving the report thanked the Committee for the extensive nature of their work which he stated is very impressive. He promised full implementation of the report, whilst emphasizing its recommendations with serving as a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Ministry and NFF in planning for future events.

Restating his resolve to sanction the culprits of the vandalism, Dare assured that where they are identified in the report, the full weight of the law will be brought upon them to serve as a deterrent. The Minister though regretted the fine imposed on Nigeria as a result of the vandalism, expressed satisfaction that the Stadium was not banned as it is billed to play host to Nigeria’s first game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in early June.

Share on Facebook

Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

10 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“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,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

Share on Facebook