The Nasarawa State Government has announced plans to upgrade the Lafia City Stadium, home ground of Nasarawa United Football Club, ahead of the upcoming Nigeria Premiership Football League.
The State Commissioner for Youths and Sports Development, Hon Yakubu Kwanta disclosed this during an inspection visit of facilities at the stadium on Monday in Lafia.
According to him, the renovation aims to upgrade the stadium’s facilities to modern standards, ensuring it meets the requirements of the Nigeria Football Federation.
Hon Kwanta explained that the stadium’s turf was worn out and needed replacement, while the home and away dressing rooms were also faulty.
He also stated that the upgrade would include the installation of facilities that will enable night matches.
“Our visit here is in line with the directives of the Nigeria Football Federation. We have invited relevant stakeholders and technical officers to review the facility to see if it can stand the test of time.
“We are committed to seeing that a proper and effective renovation takes place immediately,” he stated.
He explained that the inspection was to provide an update to Governor Abdullahi Sule on the stadium’s current state and facilitate prompt action to upgrade the facilities that would meet league requirements.
On his part, Mr Solomon Babanja, Chairman, Nasarawa United Football Club, commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for his support to the club, saying, “I want to commend Governor Sule for supporting Nasarawa United FC fully.”
He also appreciated the deputy governor, Dr Emmanuel Akabe, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development for their encouragement.
The chairman assured fans of enjoyable matches and emphasised the club’s commitment to ensuring security during and after games.
“We are working closely with the leadership of the state Football association to ensure that security of Football fans and speculators is guaranteed, and there will be no form of violent attack on anybody during and after the matches,” he said.
The Voice reports that the Commissioner, Hon Yakubu Kwanta was accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Ibrahim Alhassan, Mr Solomon Babanja, Chairman Nasarawa United, Alhaji Salisu Galadima, Chairman Nasarawa State Football Association, other others.
