Remodeled Bwari Township Stadium, more than a football arena

On Wednesday, May 25, the remodeled Bwari Township Stadium made history when it hosted one of the semi-final matches of this year’s President Federation Cup between Ikorodu City of Lagos and Abakiliki FC Ebonyi. Even though the Federal Capital Territory is not new to hosting Federation Cup matches, it was the first time that a […]

On Wednesday, May 25, the remodeled Bwari Township Stadium made history when it hosted one of the semi-final matches of this year’s President Federation Cup between Ikorodu City of Lagos and Abakiliki FC Ebonyi. Even though the Federal Capital Territory is not new to hosting Federation Cup matches, it was the first time that a semi-final match was played in the federal capital.

Of course, in the past, some sports facilities like the Old Parade Ground, Area three sports complex and the FIFA Goal Project pitch located inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium had served as Federation Cup venues, but none was considered good enough to host even a quarter-final match of the oldest inter-club competition in Nigeria.

Therefore, at the moment, there is a surge in excitement among football stakeholders who have seen the special recognition accorded the Bwari Township Stadium by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as an expression of confidence in the organizational ability of the FCT Football Association and the Bwari Football Council.

Based on the trust reposed in the venue by the NFF, the Bwari Township Stadium has successfully hosted six Federation Cup matches including the historic semi-final which saw the underdogs, Abakiliki FC causing another upset by edging out the more illustrious Ikorodu City 5-4 on penalties after a barren draw in regulation time.

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It will be recalled that in the course of the 2025 Federation Cup, top clubs like Enyimba, Enugu Rangers, El-Kanemi Warriors, Akwa United, Kano Pillars, Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists have played matches at the stadium this year, highlighting the general acceptance of the reconstructed sports facility.

Considering the seating capacity of the Bwari Township Stadium, it may not be awarded the right to host the final match between Kwara United and Abakiliki FC. However, the status of the mini stadium has changed dramatically from an obscure facility to a nationally recognized sports edifice.

 

Historical background of Bwari Township Stadium

According to the Chairman of Bwari Football Council, Mr. Felix Musa, the land for the construction of the Sports Centre was allocated by the administration of Samson Baba Galuwyi. The administration of Hon. Isah Dara started the construction while the administration of Hon.Yohanna Peter Ushafa renovated the roof of the pavilion at that time.

However, he said the massive transformation of the sporting facility happened with the coming on board of the present Chairman of the FCT FA, Alhaji Adam Mouktar Mohammed and the present Chairman of Bwari Area Council Hon. John Gabaya JP.

He said: “When they assumed office, Alhaji Mouktar Mohammed and Hon. Gabaya took it upon themselves to upgrade the stadium to its present status. They were able to persuade the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) office to approve the complete reconstruction of Bwari Stadium.”

This was collaborated by the FCT FA Chairman who said “The current Chairman of Bwari Area Council, Hon. Gabaya who is also the vice-chairman of the FCT Football Association graciously gave support when I reached out to transform the stadium.

“We remodeled the facility completely, installing a FIFA standard artificial turf with a covered spectator stand, solar lighting, perimeter fence, borehole and offices, shops and toilet facilities.

“Following this massive turnaround, Bwari Stadium has been able to host very important matches since the beginning of this year.”

 

Stakeholders count socio-economic benefits of Bwari Stadium

Amidst the dearth of sports infrastructure in the FCT, the transformation of the Bwari Township Stadium is a catalyst for sports development in the FCT FA is said to have concluded plans to facilitate the construction of similar mini-stadia across the other five Area Councils.

Meanwhile, beyond the hosting of matches, football stakeholders in the FCT are already counting the socio-economic gains for the residents of Bwari Area Council now that the mini-stadium has become the new hub of football in the country.

The Secretary of FCT Football Association, Coach Haruna Ilerika said “Right now, Bwari Area Council is bubbling with football activities. So many football clubs and academies have moved to the area because of the stadium. In fact, so many clubs have sprung up. Almost on a daily basis there are scouting activities at the stadium.

“Therefore, the socio-economic impact is huge. Whenever matches are played in Bwari, a lot of money is spent by the teeming fans who have to eat and recreate. So, owners of hotels are smiling to the banks because those who organize scouting tournaments need accommodation, same with clubs that come to play their matches in Bwari. In fact, the area around the stadium is now buzzing with business activities.

“In addition, the stadium has given residents the opportunity to watch live some of the big teams in Nigerian football. In no time, top clubs like Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars, Enyimba, El-Kanemi Warriors, Akwa United, Ikorodu City and Wikki Tourists have played at the stadium.”

In the same vein, a major stakeholder in FCT football and former assistant coach of the Super Falcons, Mansur Abdullahi said “Almost all the teams that come to Bwari to play in the Federation Cup and NNL matches against Sporting Supreme lodge in hotels. So, it is helping to boost the economy of the area. Bwari has a lot of hotels because of the presence of some federal government institutions like the Law school and JAMB office. These hoteliers are experiencing a boom in their business.

“Moreover, the town of Bwari is gradually taking a centre stage in Nigerian football. Only recently, the NFF president Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau led other dignitaries like NFF 2nd vice-president, Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, the COO of the NNL, Mr. Emmanuel Attah, as well as former internationals, Dominic Iorfa, and Patrick Pascal who doubles as Bauchi State FA to the Bwari Township Stadium for the Federation Cup semi-final match between Ikorodu City and Abakiliki FC.”

On his part, the FCT FA Chairman, Mouktar Mohammed, while speaking on the gains of Bwari Stadium said it will help trigger sports infrastructure development in the territory.

“The pivotal role the Bwari stadium has played in the socio-economic life of the community cannot be overstated as the influx of many investors and stakeholders has helped reduce crimes, increased the number of visitors and supported local businesses.

“I think the FCT FA has now kick-started a sports infrastructure conversion which will lead to a revolution of focus and investment by both the government and private sector to develop and build more of such facilities across the country as it is the foundation of any meaningful impact in sports development and community impact.”

 

Reward for visionary and impactful leadership

Having masterminded the transformation of the mini-stadium, the Bwari traditional council under the leadership of Etsu Bwari, His Royal Highness, Alhaji Ibrahim Yaro, has bestowed a traditional title of Agbeyi Bwaya (Progress of Bwari) on the Chairman of FCT FA, Mouktar Mohammed, in recognition of the progress he has brought to the Area Council and the FCT at large.

“I am spurred by this recognition and royal blessing to do more for the community and humanity in general. I will continue to render selfless services to football in the FCT and beyond,” said Mohammed.