The elevation of Inter Lagos and Sporting Lagos to the Nigeria Premier Football League has sparked renewed demands for enhanced sports infrastructure in Lagos State, as the government endeavors to finalize the renovations of the Teslim Balogun Stadium and the Agege Stadium.
Inter Lagos and Sporting Lagos will be joining Ikorodu City in the Nigerian top tier next season, raising the total number of NPFL clubs in the state to three.
Nevertheless, concerns have arisen regarding the availability of certified venues for the teams, with stakeholders cautioning about potential fixture congestion.
Many have identified the Agege Stadium—previously the home of the now-defunct MFM FC—as a feasible alternative to the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan, which currently accommodates several Lagos-based teams across the NPFL, NNL, and the Nigeria Women’s Football League Premiership.
“I hope the Agege Stadium is prepared to host at least one of them.
The reality is that scheduling fixtures for three NPFL clubs will not be straightforward, unlike when there was only one in the league,” remarked football enthusiast, Olaoluwa Adeleye.
“These logistical considerations significantly impact travel arrangements in a league like the NPFL, so the optimal solution is to have at least two stadiums available.”
Football administrator, Deji Gbenro, further commented, “Hopefully, Agege Stadium will be ready in due time. It is not feasible for all three clubs to play at Onikan.”
Meanwhile, the Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, stated that the government is cognizant of the situation and is urging contractors to expedite the work on the facilities.
“We are aware of the developments. That is why we are applying pressure on the contractors to hasten their work, and they have assured us of an accelerated delivery,” Fatodu stated.
The Lagos State Government is also in the process of constructing mini-stadiums across the five IBILE divisions—Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe—but none have been made available for use despite noticeable progress.
