CAF Approval Of Remo Stars Stadium Underscores Need For More FIFA-Standard Pitches — Egbe

The Chief Executive Officer of Monimichelle Sports Facilities Construction Limited, Ebi Egbe, has described the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) approval of the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne as a significant endorsement of quality sports infrastructure, while renewing his call for more FIFA and CAF-standard football pitches across Nigeria.

The approval allows Rangers International to use the Remo Stars Stadium as their home ground for the preliminary round of the 2026/27 CAF Champions League, after the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium in Enugu failed to meet CAF’s requirements for hosting international matches.

The Remo Stars Stadium, constructed by Monimichelle Sports Nigeria, is home to Nigeria’s only FIFA-certified all-weather hybrid synthetic football pitch, making it one of the country’s few venues that satisfy continental standards.

Reacting to the development, Egbe said CAF’s decision reinforces the value of sustained investment in world-class football infrastructure and demonstrates the critical role quality playing surfaces play in the growth of the game.

He noted that Monimichelle has consistently championed the construction of internationally compliant football pitches, stressing that improved facilities are essential for raising the standard of Nigerian football at both club and national team levels.

Egbe also highlighted ongoing stadium upgrades at the Sardauna Memorial Community Stadium in Gusau, Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi and Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt as encouraging signs that Nigeria is gradually expanding its pool of CAF-approved venues.

According to him, these projects will strengthen the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) while providing the Super Eagles and other national teams with facilities that meet global standards.

He maintained that the country must move beyond relying on just a handful of CAF-approved stadiums, arguing that the widespread provision of FIFA-standard pitches would improve player safety, enhance the quality of football and better prepare Nigerian clubs and national teams for CAF competitions, Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

“For Nigerian football to compete consistently at the highest level, quality playing surfaces must become the norm rather than the exception. Consistency on the pitch is not a luxury; it is a competitive advantage,” Egbe said.