Sunday Dare, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, has declared that the National Stadium in Surulere, will be ready to host the Super Eagles and other international matches by May 2021.
The minister made this known during an inspection tour of the Surulere National Stadium, Lagos which is presently undergoing rehabilitation. The facility has beem moribund for over a decade.
Dare disclosed that it is high time the national team had a familiar ground. He also added that next year the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, will be ready to host matches.
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‘This arrangement is under the adopt initiative which is a public-private model that we developed. We were able to pitch that to the private sector. We discussed with a philanthropist and lover of sports, Sir Adebutu Keshington, who was convinced about the proposal. He is somebody that has the youth of this country at heart and has done so much to support youth and sports development,’ he stated.
Dare also stated that as a form of CSR, Adebutu is committed to providing 100 percent funds. He assured Nigerians that the stadium would be properly maintained.
‘The Stadium has a rich history with the likes of Christian Chukwu, Segun Odegbami, and host of other ex-internationals who played in the memorable edifice that hosted so many international competitions. The engineer working on the site has assured that the stadium will be ready for use by May next year,’ he added.
Usukuma Intia