The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has taken a major step toward enhancing the country’s football infrastructure with the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches in Abuja.
The historic event, which took place on Tuesday, was presided over by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON.
The 68-room Players’ Hostel, strategically located in Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, is set to be a game-changer for Nigeria’s national teams.
The two-wing edifice, positioned almost directly opposite the NFF Secretariat, will feature 62 single rooms, four suites, and two executive suites, providing modern accommodation tailored to the needs of players and officials.
Accompanying the hostel project is the construction of two new training pitches—one synthetic and one natural grass—along with the reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.
Additional facilities will include spectator terraces with 1,838 seats, two dressing rooms for players (each accommodating 27 players), and two dressing rooms for officials.
FIFA’s Backing and Strategic Vision
The project is being fully funded by FIFA through its FIFA Forward 3.0 program, the world’s largest football development initiative.
Since its inception in 2016 under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the Forward Program has been instrumental in boosting football infrastructure worldwide through increased investment, tailored development projects, and stringent oversight to ensure transparency.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau hailed the initiative as a transformational milestone, emphasizing its long-term benefits for Nigerian football.
“The NFF is excited about the Players’ Hostel and new training pitches. It is a transformational project for our national teams, and we are grateful to FIFA for providing the funds for these amazing facilities.”
”This initiative will not only enhance team management but also reduce expenditure, allowing us to focus more on grassroots development,” Gusau stated.
FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director for Africa, Gelson Fernandes, echoed similar sentiments, stressing FIFA’s commitment to Nigeria’s football development.
“The main objective of the FIFA Forward Programme is to ensure top-quality infrastructure that drives football growth worldwide.”
”The NFF’s transformation of its Technical Centre is a perfect example—upgrading training pitches, building modern accommodation, and creating a true home for the national teams.”
”This project is a brilliant one for Nigerian football, and FIFA is proud to support it, not only with funding but also by sharing expertise,” Fernandes remarked.
High-Profile Attendees Celebrate the Landmark Occasion
The groundbreaking event drew a distinguished gathering of government officials, football legends, and sports administrators. Among the notable guests were:
- Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa
- Ambassadors of the UAE and Morocco
- Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun
- Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi
- Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap
- Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko
Football icons who graced the event included Olusegun Odegbami, Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, Daniel Amokachi, Nwankwo Kanu, Mutiu Adepoju, Samson Siasia, Victor Ikpeba, Ahmed Musa, Precious Dede, and Stella Mbachu—all of whom lauded the project as a crucial step toward elevating Nigerian football.
A Game-Changer for Nigeria’s Football Future
The 24-month construction timeline signals a new era for Nigerian football, as the improved facilities are expected to provide a world-class training environment for the Super Eagles, Super Falcons, and other national teams.
