Sports

Surulere Stadium Returning To Its Lost Glory As Contractor Completes Tartan Track, Scoreboard Others

Published

3 years ago

September 25, 2023

Joel Ajayi

The National Stadium Surulere, a sporting arena in the Center Of Excellence Lagos has no hope of returning to its lost glory, as a result of years of deplorable state, decaying, neglected, and completely abandoned for over two decades.

Several administrations vowed to renovate the edifice, but the more they pledged to do this, the more the decay continued. Until the coming of Former Minister of Youth and Sports Development Chief Sunday Dare with a vision for infrastructural restoration in the country.

A glance at the edifice showed that, after lying 20 years of rotting, the National Stadium Surulere is back to life courtesy of the effort of Former Sports Minister Sunday Dare.

Like him or hate him, the story of infrastructure development of sports in Nigeria can’t be complete without the impact of the Former Minister who took advantage Of private-public partnership PPP initiatives to bring some of the dying stadiums alive after some years of neglect.

He promised to turn around the deteriorating sporting facilities across the country.

Another Stadium that came alive under his watch was Moshood Abiola National Stadium now in good shape to host any international matches courtesy of Aliko Dangote.

The Abuja stadium has undergone rehabilitation with re-grassing of the main pitch, replacement of the scoreboard, and vandalized cables, which ensures the facility is well-lit at night to enhance security, all made possible due to the intervention and collaboration with the Dangote Group.

The Gleamer News equally gathered that, very soon stakeholders, sports lovers, athletes players once again will enjoy another Abandoned but restored 51-year-old stadium Surulere National Stadium that just returned to its pride and dignity.

Built in 1972 by the regime of General Yakubu Gowon, the sports arena hosted the 1973 African Games, as Nigeria emerged champions for the first time, before it hosted the 1980 AFCON, with the men’s football national team, then known as the Green Eagles, ruling Africa for the first time ever as well.

When immediate past Sports Minister Sunday Dare visited the stadium three years ago, he promised to renovate the stadium, using his adopt-a-stadium initiative, with billionaire businessman Adebutu Kessington taking over the renovation of the main bowl and football scoreboard of the stadium.

It was like the usual promise by the past administrator but renovation works began bulldozers rolled into the stadium with illegal shops demolished, and the owners, in their hundreds, were sent packing.

Today, The Gleamer News can authoritatively report that the National Stadium, Surulere glory is returned as the Contractor Completes Tartan Track and Scoreboard.

Now, more than ever, this project has resonated in the Lago city center and It will immediately become a beautiful source of pride for the Nigerians and a destination for sporting activities

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Sports

AACT 2026: Nana Abubakar Promises World-Class Catering, Nigerian Hospitality

Published

2 hours ago

October 28, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria – With five days to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT), Chairperson of the Catering and Refreshment Committee, Nana Abubakar, has assured visiting golfers, officials and guests of a memorable Nigerian experience, with local delicacies, entertainment and carefully coordinated catering arrangements planned for the continental championship.

Abubakar, who is also Treasurer of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), said the committee was working to ensure that visitors experience the richness of Nigerian cuisine and hospitality throughout their stay in Abuja.

She explained that the arrangements would go beyond providing meals and refreshments, with guests expected to enjoy Nigerian delicacies, cocktails and entertainment as part of the activities surrounding the championship.

The committee is also making provisions for golfers during practice sessions and while competing on the course, recognising the need to keep players refreshed and comfortable despite the potentially challenging weather conditions.

Abubakar said the arrangements were designed to ensure that players can concentrate on their games while receiving the necessary catering and refreshment support throughout the competition.

Beyond the golf course, the hospitality package will begin from the moment visitors arrive in Nigeria, with welcome packages and reception arrangements planned to give participating teams and other guests a warm introduction to the country.

The initiative reflects the Local Organising Committee’s determination to make AACT 2026 more than a sporting contest, using the championship to showcase Nigerian culture, cuisine, entertainment and hospitality to visitors from across Africa.

Nigeria will host the All Africa Challenge Trophy for the third time, following the 1996 edition at Ikoyi Club 1938 in Lagos and the 2010 championship at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

The 2026 tournament is scheduled for November 2 to 7 at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, Abuja, with about 30 African countries expected to participate.

Under the slogan “Uniting Africa through the greens,” the championship will bring together women golfers from across the continent while creating opportunities for cultural exchange, tourism and stronger African relationships.

With five days remaining, the Catering and Refreshment Committee says it is preparing to serve up a distinctive Nigerian experience, combining sporting excellence with the warmth of the country’s renowned hospitality.

5 DAYS TO GO.

AACT 2026: UNITING AFRICA THROUGH THE GREENS.

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