The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is set to usher in a new era for its national teams with the groundbreaking ceremony for a state-of-the-art Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, scheduled for today, March 18 in Abuja.
The event will be graced by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON, marking a significant milestone under the leadership of NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau.
The NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel, a modern 68-room facility, will be situated at the heart of Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, conveniently located opposite the NFF Secretariat. This two-winged structure will feature 62 single rooms, four suites, and two executive suites, providing players with comfortable accommodation.
In addition to the hostel, the NFF plans to enhance its training infrastructure with the construction of two new pitches—one with synthetic turf and the other with natural grass. The existing synthetic pitch will also undergo reconstruction. Spectator amenities will include seating terraces with a capacity of 1,838, as well as two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27, and two for officials.
Funding for this ambitious project comes from FIFA’s Forward 3.0 program, which supports football development worldwide. This initiative, launched in 2016 under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to boost investment in football through tailored projects while ensuring transparency and effective management of resources.
Gusau expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “The NFF is thrilled about the Players’ Hostel and new training pitches. This transformational project will enhance team management and significantly reduce expenditures, allowing us to allocate more funds to grassroots development programs.”
Gelson Fernandes, FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director for Africa, echoed Gusau’s sentiments, emphasizing the importance of high-quality infrastructure in driving football development. “This project is a brilliant one for Nigeria football, and we are proud to support the NFF not only with funding but also by sharing expertise,” he remarked.
The groundbreaking ceremony is expected to attract a host of dignitaries, including military and police officials, ambassadors from the UAE and Morocco, former sports ministers, and legendary figures from Nigerian football, including Olusegun Odegbami and Nwankwo Kanu.
Construction of the Players’ Hostel and training pitches is projected to take 24 months, paving the way for a new chapter in Nigeria’s football journey and reinforcing the country’s commitment to nurturing its national teams.
