A Modern Sporting Hub
Previously, the stadium consisted of little more than a football pitch surrounded by an athletics track. However, the recent upgrades have positioned it as a multipurpose facility capable of hosting a wide range of sporting events. Among the new additions are:
- 50-meter Olympic-size swimming pool
- Basketball, tennis, and handball courts
- Digital scoreboard and floodlights
- Tartan track for athletics
- Hybrid football turf for enhanced playability
- VVIP section with seating for 150 guests
Governor Abiodun’s Vision for Sports Development
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, emphasized that hosting the NSF was a strategic move to revitalize the state’s sporting infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
“Before the NSF, we had already planned to rename the MKO Abiola Stadium to reflect its new status as a full-fledged sports complex,” he said. “We have invested heavily in upgrading our facilities, not just for the festival but to establish a sustainable sports ecosystem that will contribute to Ogun State’s GDP.”
The governor also revealed that the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) has selected Ogun State to host the 2025 U-18 and U-20 African Championships in July, after the event was moved from Algeria.
“This is exactly the kind of outcome we envisioned when we bid for the NSF,” Abiodun stated. *“Our goal is to integrate Ogun State into the global sporting landscape, attracting more international events in the future.”
Economic Boost for the Gateway State
Beyond sports, the NSF is expected to generate significant economic activity. Hotels in the state are reportedly fully booked, while local traders and businesses anticipate increased patronage during the event.
Governor Abiodun noted that the decision to host the NSF was a deliberate effort to enhance infrastructure and create a thriving sports economy. “Ogun State’s business sector will experience a major boost during the festival, from hospitality to small-scale commerce,” he said.
With these developments, Ogun State is positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s sports industry, leveraging world-class facilities to attract both national and international events long after the NSF concludes.