- From Paul Onehi
The firm overseeing renovations at Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt says the project has reached an advanced stage, exceeding 90 per cent completion, with only the football pitch and athletics track installations remaining before the venue can be certified by FIFA, CAF and World Athletics.
Monimichelle Sports Construction Company Managing Director and Chief Executive Ebi Ezekiel Egbe made the disclosure during an on-site assessment of the facility. He pointed to a finished pitch drainage system, VIP and VVIP areas that are near completion, installed roof trusses, cladding that is roughly 90 per cent done, a scoreboard framework already in place, and a public address system that has been delivered.
Egbe said his team intentionally delayed laying the playing surface and the polyurethane athletics track for two key reasons. The first was a Nigerian Army event scheduled for around July 7 for Army Day, which would require heavy vehicles to move through the stadium. The second reason was the ongoing rainy season, which he said is not suitable for tartan track installation.
“We don’t want to install the pitch because there’s going to be a very serious activity here by the Nigerian Army. There will be a lot of vehicles going around the track, and we want to protect the main bowl facilities,” Egbe said.
Work on the pitch base has been completed, including the installation of 4,000 perforated drainage pipes beneath the playing surface, while the sprinkler system has also been prepared for use. In addition, the base layer for the polyurethane athletics track has already been asphalted.
Rivers State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Barrister Christopher Green, who also acts as Coordinating Commissioner for Sports, said the renovations are aimed at bringing the stadium—currently built to a 16,000 spectator capacity—up to FIFA and World Athletics expectations. Green, a former chair of the Nigeria Football Federation’s Technical Committee, expressed confidence that the venue will secure the necessary approvals once the remaining works are finished.
“I can assure you that CAF and FIFA would approve this stadium for matches. We also want to assure you that the tracks that will be laid will get certification from the African Athletics Union, once the process is carried out in line with AAU standards,” Green said.
With Rivers United expected to take part in continental club competitions, Egbe acknowledged that the schedule carries significant pressure.
“Rivers United need to play continental games here. The pitch must be ready before September,” he said.
The contract, awarded in 2025, is intended to transform Yakubu Gowon Stadium into a modern multi-purpose venue that meets certification requirements set out by FIFA, CAF and World Athletics.
During the visit, Egbe also addressed claims that his company has previously abandoned public contracts. He said any delays on government projects were linked to irregular payments rather than contractor failure, adding that work should proceed once funding is provided.
“If you finish a government job, come back for payment — 100 years, your children will not see the money,” he said. “We work with government money. We don’t hide it. If I’m doing your job, I will do your job and give you the best money can buy. But you must pay.”
Officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Works were present for the inspection. One of the officials said the renovated stadium is expected to exceed the standard of Enyimba Stadium in Aba.
