Veteran broadcaster and sports journalist Mitchell Obi has expressed concern over the state of sports infrastructure in Nigeria, describing the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo as the country’s only venue currently capable of hosting international football to FIFA and CAF standards.
Obi, a former President of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS) Africa, said the situation highlights a deeper problem of poor maintenance and management rather than a shortage of stadiums.
According to him, despite Nigeria’s numerous sports facilities, only the Uyo stadium presently meets the requirements for top-level international matches.
“If Lionel Messi were to play in Nigeria tomorrow, there is only one venue in the entire country where the match could be sanctioned,” Obi said.
The respected sports analyst noted that Nigeria has spent billions of naira over the years developing stadium infrastructure, including the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, the National Stadium in Lagos and the Liberty Stadium in Ibadan.
However, he lamented that many of those facilities are no longer fit to host major international fixtures due to inadequate maintenance and operational challenges.
Obi stressed that the conversation should move beyond constructing stadiums to ensuring they remain functional and commercially viable.
He also questioned the value of facilities that remain largely inactive for much of the year while governments continue to allocate resources for their upkeep.
According to him, stadiums should be managed as active sports and business assets rather than symbolic monuments.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has become the regular home ground of the Super Eagles and has hosted several high-profile international matches in recent years.
Obi maintained that the facility’s continued compliance with international standards has helped Nigeria avoid the embarrassment of being forced to host major football matches outside its borders.
His remarks have renewed discussions about the need for improved facility management and long-term investment in sports infrastructure across the country.
