Former Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Shehu Dikko, has boldly asserted that no country on the African continent possesses as many stadiums as Nigeria. This statement was made during a recent media engagement where Dikko reflected on Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, achievements, and future potential in global football.
According to Dikko, Nigeria’s rich history in football and its massive population have driven an enduring commitment to building sporting facilities across the nation. He noted that although there are challenges regarding maintenance and utilization, the sheer number of stadiums in Nigeria sets it apart from other African countries.
Nigeria’s Stadium Advantage
“In terms of numbers, no country in Africa has as many stadiums as Nigeria. You can go from state to state and find at least one stadium, with some states boasting multiple facilities,” Dikko said.
He attributed this infrastructural growth to a combination of government investment, private sector involvement, and the deep-rooted love Nigerians have for football. Over the decades, various military and civilian administrations have placed importance on sports, especially football, as a unifying force and a source of national pride. This commitment has translated into the construction of numerous stadiums at the federal, state, and even local government levels.
From the iconic Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja to the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, and from the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria is dotted with sports arenas built to host both local and international events. Many of these stadiums have undergone renovations to meet international standards, while others continue to host league games, tournaments, and community events.
Comparison with Other African Nations
While countries like South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco are known for their high-standard stadiums, Dikko insists that Nigeria edges them out in terms of quantity.
“Of course, other countries may have newer or more modern stadiums, especially for major tournaments like the FIFA World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations. But when you’re talking about numbers and reach — how far into rural and semi-urban areas stadiums go — Nigeria stands alone,” he said.
He pointed out that countries like South Africa, despite hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2010, do not have stadiums spread across all provinces in the way Nigeria does across its 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. The spread of sports infrastructure in Nigeria, according to Dikko, plays a significant role in identifying grassroots talent and encouraging community-level sports development.
Challenges Remain
Despite the impressive numbers, Dikko acknowledged that Nigeria’s sports infrastructure is far from perfect. Many stadiums, he said, are either underutilized, poorly maintained, or have been neglected entirely due to insufficient funding and lack of proper management.
“One of the biggest issues is sustainability. Building a stadium is one thing, but maintaining it and ensuring regular use is another challenge altogether,” he emphasized.
Dikko called for a comprehensive national policy on sports infrastructure management. He urged both federal and state governments to partner with the private sector to revamp existing stadiums and turn them into revenue-generating assets.
“There’s potential for our stadiums to be used not just for football or athletics, but for concerts, community events, and even commercial ventures. With the right management, these facilities can become sustainable assets that create jobs and drive local economies,” he noted.
Importance of Stadiums in National Development
Dikko stressed that stadiums are more than just sporting arenas — they are centers of youth engagement, tools for national integration, and avenues for economic development.
“Nigeria has a young population with boundless energy and creativity. Providing them with the right platforms — like functional sports facilities — is crucial in channeling that energy positively,” he explained.
He also touched on the psychological and emotional role stadiums play in the life of the average Nigerian. “There’s a certain joy and pride that comes with watching your local team play in a stadium within your community. It boosts local morale and strengthens communal identity.”
Path Forward
In conclusion, Dikko emphasized the need to harness Nigeria’s stadium advantage for broader sporting and national development goals. He advocated for targeted investments in infrastructure upgrades, training of sports facility managers, and improved synergy between public and private stakeholders.
“Nigeria has the numbers. What we need now is to make these stadiums functional, modern, and profitable. Let’s make them centers of excellence and pride for the nation,” he concluded.
Shehu Dikko’s comments serve as a timely reminder of Nigeria’s potential to dominate not just African football, but also global sports — provided it leverages its infrastructural advantage wisely. As discussions continue on sports development in the country, stakeholders may find in his remarks a call to action for more strategic investments in the sector.
