Sports ministry bans club sides from MKO Abiola stadium

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has banned club sides from using the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for any domestic competition.  It will be recalled that the stadium recently hosted a pre-season tournament tagged Presidential Cup that featured four top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams in December 2021.  It will also be […]

The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has banned club sides from using the Moshood Abiola National Stadium for any domestic competition. 

It will be recalled that the stadium recently hosted a pre-season tournament tagged Presidential Cup that featured four top Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) teams in December 2021. 

It will also be recalled that Kano Pillars who were banished to Abuja after fans violence against Katsina United also used the stadium.

They were to play their remaining matches in the 2022 NPFL season and played their Match Day 28 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League game against Heartland.

According to a statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mohammed Manga, the stadium will only be used for games involving the national teams. 

“In order to keep the main pitch of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in good enough shape for use for international matches of the national teams, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr Sunday Dare has directed that the stadium be closed to usage by club sides for any domestic competition.

“The Stadium will henceforth be used only for matches involving the national teams. This directive takes immediate effect,” the statement said. 

The Super Eagles will begin their quest for a place in Cote d’Ivoire 2023 on Thursday when they entertain the Leone Stars at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja.