The Federal Government has given the green light for the overhaul of Muda Lawal Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirming the approval.
The NSC said the renovation will feature the addition of fresh tartan track surfaces, alongside the repair and upgrading of existing facilities to bring the venue in line with current requirements. The improved stadium complex is expected to serve as a host for sporting events as well as national competitions.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade noted that the revamp also pays tribute to Mudashiru Babatunde Lawal, the former Green Eagles midfielder from Abeokuta. Lawal is remembered for scoring during Nigeria’s 3-0 triumph over Algeria in the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations final—Nigeria’s first-ever continental title. Olopade added that Lawal also featured in the IICC Shooting Stars team that captured the country’s inaugural continental club trophy, the African Cup Winners Cup, in 1976.
Alongside the stadium plans, the NSC announced infrastructure assistance for the next three states set to host the National Sports Festival. Enugu State, named as the following host, is set to receive a new Olympic-standard swimming pool, an improved indoor sports hall, and the rehabilitation of athletes’ accommodations ahead of the Games.
The NSC said the stadium upgrade and the festival support programmes are both part of the wider sports infrastructure agenda under the Tinubu administration, aimed at strengthening athletic development across the country.
