Top 10 Largest Stadiums in Nigeria (Pictures)
Nigeria football has improved with so many good stadiums with large capacity to host the world cup in the future. With good maintenance and the right funding, FIFA might give our Africa nation a chance to bid for a football tournament.
Although, other western countries like Russia, England and even Qatar are all bidding for future football sporting competitions to be played in their respective stadiums due to the fact that they have the best with much improved capacity and facilities.
Here are the best top 10 largest stadiums in Nigeria today with their capacity and pictures
Akwa Ibom International Stadium
This is the best football stadium in the country at the moment, with a capacity of 30,000 seaters for spectators. The Akwa Ibom stadium was constructed by Julius Berger construction company in the year 2018 under the Akpabio tenure as governor of the state. There are top hotels located near it for players to lodge in.
It has a synthetic pitch which meets FIFA’s requirements on how a stadium is to be constructed. The original plan of the football arena was to resemble that of Bayern Munich stadium in Germany, Allianz. According to the former governor, the cost of building the Akwa Ibom International stadium was estimated at $250 million. The first match Nigeria played there was against Ghana in 2014.
What differentiates the Abuja stadium from the Akwa Ibom International Stadium, is the presidential suite veiwing area and the presence of Close Circuit Security Cameras (CCTV) installed for security purpose around the stadium.
Abuja National Stadium
This is the most expensive and biggest stadium in the country with a 60,491 seater capacity. $360 million was the estimated cost for the construction of the Abuja National Stadium where the 8th All African games was hosted in 2003.
Just as the name implies, Abuja National Stadium is home to the Nigerian National Football team and is located in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory.
Teslim Balogun Stadium
Another fine stadium worthy of mention is the Teslim Balogun Stadium located in Lagos. This football arena was named after late professional Nigeria footballer, Teslim Balogun under the regime of Babatunde Raji Fashola, the former governor of Lagos state.
The stadium is only used for football matches and has a 25,000 seater capacity. The famous Lagos National Stadium opposite it was formerly the main stadium used in the past, now it has been neglected by the government. Cost of building the Teslim Balogun stadium was estimated at N1.3 billion.
U.J. Esuene Stadium
This is one of Nigeria’s top football stadia and home to Calabar Rovers and formerly Dolphins Football Club.
The beautiful pitch and artificial grass makes it easy to play on it. The 16,000 seating capacity for spectators is also enough for fans to cheer players during a match. The cost of building this stadium is not known.
Liberation Stadium
Liberation Stadium is one of the multi-purpose football stadium we have in Nigeria that is located in Port Harcourt with a capacity built for 30,000 people.
Not only is it among the biggest & best stadiums you can find in Nigeria, it is also the official stadium of Dolphin Football Club and is ranked among the top 5 stadiums in Nigeria.
Enyimba International Stadium
Eyimba stadium was formerly named Aba township stadium. It was officially launched in the year 1992 and was renamed in 2002 after they they won the CAF champions League in 2002. It is on record that the stadium was used to host the CAF Champion league finals.
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The capacity of Eyimba International stadium can contain 25,000 people and has a VIP viewing area wing. The grass turf of the field is properly maintained and there is a standby medical facility with two ambulance. The score board and floodlights are also working fine. Outside the main bowl is an estimated 1500 capacity car park with tight security presence.
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium
This is also one of the largest stadiums in the country with a capacity of 35,000 people and a vip arena inside. It was launched during independence in 1960 and was formerly called Liberty stadium until 2010 when it was renamed by former President Goodluck.
It has a well maintained grass on its field where footballers play and a digital scoreboard. This beautiful stadium hosted the FIFA world Youth Championship in 1999. Sport Shooting Stars FC normally play in this stadium too. The media facility at Obafemi Awolowo stadium meets FIFA’s standard.
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium
This particular stadium is the home to Rangers international FC and was launched in 1959. After the upgrade of the stadium in 1986, the artificial pitch has been used to play Nigerian football.
The large stadium was built according to FIFA standards and has a capacity of 22,000 and a VIP viewing area. The dressing rooms for visiting teams are also well arranged. There is a presence of security at the various exits within the main bowl where spectators can leave the complex within 30 minutes.
Abacha Stadium
Abacha stadium is also one of the largest nigerian stadiums in the country that was also used to host the FIFA U17 World tournament in 2009. It has up to 20,000 seater capacity for spectators and a well watered grass turf for football matches.
It is home to Kano Pillars Football Club. It is located in Kano state and was rated among the best football stadiums in Nigeria when it was opened in 1982 by the then head of state.
Gateway Stadium
The Gateway Stadium is used as a multi-purpose stadium in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria. It is presently used for Nigeria football matches and it is the home ground for FC Ebedei.
The stadium has a capacity of 20,000 people. It was renovated for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. It is now called Otunba Dipo Dina International Stadium.
What’s your thought on all these biggest & top stadiums in Nigeria
