NSC takes over abandoned FIFA mini stadium in Delta

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has taken over 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 this announcement while attending the Olu of Warri's fifth coronation anniversary, where he also participated in a match featuring former international players and prominent sports figures.

Dikko stated that the NSC, on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, had adopted the Ugborodo mini stadium, which was initially being developed by FIFA. Dikko also revealed that the completed stadium would bear the name of the First Lady, once it is finished. The Ugborodo stadium is part of a twin project with a mini stadium in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, both funded under FIFA's Forward 2.0 Programme, which aims to support football development across FIFA's member associations.

Each stadium is estimated to cost around $1.2 million. While the Birnin Kebbi stadium has been in use for about two years, the Ugborodo stadium has remained unused for a similar period. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) faced criticism over the project last year when its General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, revealed that the body had terminated the contract of the project's handler, Ebi Egbe, for failing to return to the site within the stipulated timeframe after receiving a $500,000 advance payment.

Despite the termination, the contractor claimed significant progress had been made and could complete the project with the remaining $700,000 balance. Following the termination, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the project had not been re-awarded to another contractor, and the NSC was set to complete the facility.