NSC takes over abandoned FIFA mini stadium in Delta

The National Sports Commission has assumed responsibility for the abandoned Ugborodo mini stadium project in Delta State, with plans to complete the facility and name it after First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, according to a report by The PUNCH. NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko made the announcement during the fifth coronation anniversary of the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III, where he also participated in a novelty match.

Dikko stated that the National Sports Commission, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, has taken ownership of the project, which was previously being handled by FIFA. The facility is estimated to cost around $1.2 million, and it is part of a twin project in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, funded under the FIFA Forward 2.0 Programme. While the Birnin Kebbi stadium has been in use for two years, the Ugborodo stadium remains unused and abandoned.

The Nigeria Football Federation faced criticism last year for terminating the contract of the project's handler, Ebi Egbe, for not returning to the site within the given timeframe after receiving an advance payment of $500,000. Despite the termination, the contractor claimed to have made significant progress on the site and could complete the project with the remaining $700,000 balance.