Warri Stadium Project: Jalla Accuses Contractors Of Deception Amid Governor’s Inspection

Chairman, Advocacy for Nigeria Football Reform Concepts (ANFRC), Prince Harrison Jalla, has accused the contractors handling the Warri Township Stadium reconstruction of misleading Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, likening the situation to “the hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob” from the biblical tale of deception.

In a pointed statement released on Wednesday, Jalla criticised what he described as a carefully orchestrated inspection visit to the ongoing construction site, suggesting it was far from the governor’s routine oversight of state projects. He highlighted the unusual presence of a large entourage of Nigerian sports personalities, implying it was stage-managed by the contractors to impress Oborevwori.

“The recent arranged inspection visit of the Warri Township Stadium seems not to be the Governor’s normal routine inspection of ongoing construction projects in Delta State, particularly considering the number of Nigerian Sports personalities in the entourage,” Jalla stated. “The entourage of the inspection visit seems to have been arranged by the Moroccan contractors who have promised five Standard world class Stadiums across Nigeria better than the facilities offered by Morocco for the just concluded AFCON.”

Jalla urged stakeholders to scrutinise a circulating video of the event, which he claims “speaks for itself”. He warned that the contractors’ bold promises—delivering five world-class stadiums superior to those used in the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosted by Morocco—may not hold up under closer examination.

His remarks carry significant weight given the troubled history of the Warri Stadium project. Billions of naira allocated by previous Delta State administrations have reportedly vanished without substantial progress, leaving the facility in disrepair for years. The site, once a hub for local football, has become a symbol of mismanagement and unfulfilled promises in Nigerian sports infrastructure.

Governor Oborevwori, who assumed office in 2023, has prioritised completing legacy projects like the stadium as part of his “More Agenda” for Delta State’s development. The inspection, reportedly involving high-profile figures from Nigeria’s sports sector, signals renewed commitment. However, Jalla praised the governor for refusing to be “fooled”, suggesting Oborevwori saw through any potential smoke and mirrors.

“This is not just about one stadium; it’s about accountability in sports development across Nigeria,” Jalla emphasised. “Bearing in mind how billions of naira released by past Delta State governments for the construction of Warri Stadium disappeared into thin air, stakeholders are watching closely.”