Niger State Governor, Farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago had led the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on an inspection tour of the ongoing renovation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna as efforts intensify to ensure Niger Tornadoes continue to play their home matches in Minna.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Bago said the stadium had served the state for many years making the ongoing rehabilitation necessary.
“We have managed this stadium for a long time. It has outlived its usefulness, but we do not want Niger Tornadoes to continue playing their home matches outside Minna. That is why we are carrying out remedial work to make the pitch playable and bring it up to the required standard for the club to continue playing in Minna,” the Governor said.
Governor Bago noted that the renovation marks the first comprehensive upgrade of the stadium’s playing surface since the facility was constructed, describing the intervention as unprecedented.
He expressed confidence that the visit by the NFF leadership would further motivate the contractors to deliver quality work within the stipulated timeline.
“The work currently being carried out is unprecedented. The coming of the NFF has encouraged us to do even better. We have interacted with the contractors, and we expect the project to be completed within the next 30 days,” he added.
The Governor also revealed that beyond the ongoing rehabilitation, the state government is already making advanced plans for the construction of a modern stadium that will meet international standards and is expected to be completed and commissioned within the next two years.
Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau commended Governor Bago for prioritising sports infrastructure, noting that the federation deemed it necessary to inspect the project following reports of the ongoing renovation.
“I am delighted to be here today. When we received information that Governor Bago had commenced work on the Bako Kontagora Stadium, we felt it was important to come and see the progress firsthand and encourage him to do even more,” Gusau said.
He acknowledged the challenges Niger Tornadoes have faced in recent seasons due to the unavailability of a suitable home ground and stressed the importance of completing the project on schedule.
“We have discussed with the project manager, who explained the scope of the work being carried out. Our visit is to ensure that the renovation meets the required standards and is completed on time, so that Niger Tornadoes can play their home matches in Minna instead of travelling elsewhere for home fixtures.”
Gusau further assured the Niger State Government of the NFF’s continued support and collaboration towards the development of football infrastructure in the state.
He expressed optimism that Governor Bago’s administration would deliver a befitting modern stadium before the end of its tenure, adding that Niger State’s strategic proximity to Abuja presents a unique opportunity to host Nigeria’s national teams and other major football events in the future.
©️NTFC MEDIA
