In a significant development for Nigerian football, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), under the leadership of Ibrahim Musa Gusau, is set to mark another milestone with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new Players’ Hostel and additional training pitches in Abuja on Tuesday, March 18, 2025.
The NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel, a 68-room facility located at Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, opposite the NFF Secretariat, will feature two wings with 62 single rooms, four suites, and two executive suites. Alongside the hostel, the project includes the construction of two new training pitches—one synthetic and one natural grass—along with the reconstruction of an existing synthetic pitch. Additional amenities include spectator terraces with 1,838 seats, two dressing rooms for players (each accommodating 27 players), and two dressing rooms for officials.
Funded by FIFA through its Forward 3.0 program, the construction is expected to be completed within 24 months. FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director (Africa), Gelson Fernandes, praised the initiative, stating, “The Forward Programme aims to provide top-quality infrastructure to drive football development globally. The NFF’s transformation of its Technical Centre into a modern hub with upgraded pitches and accommodation is a brilliant step forward for Nigerian football.” He emphasized FIFA’s commitment to supporting the NFF with both funding and expertise, highlighting Nigeria’s deep passion for the sport.
The ceremony will welcome an array of distinguished guests, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; the Ambassadors of the UAE and Morocco; former Edo State Deputy Governor, Comrade Phillip Shaibu; Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun; Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi; Comptroller General of Immigration, Kemi Nanna Nandap; and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko. Other notable invitees include sports committee chairmen from the Senate and House of Representatives, NOC President Engineer Habu Gumel, former sports ministers Sunday Dare and John Enoh, and a host of Nigerian football legends such as Olusegun Odegbami, Augustine ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu.