Gusau-led NFF praised as FIFA-backed project begins in Abuja
The groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches took place on Tuesday at the M.K.O. Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, with prominent Nigerians praising the Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau-led board of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its commendable projects since assuming office.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON, performed the cutting of the tape on the plaque, marking the official commencement of work on the project, which is situated inside the stadium.
The event attracted key figures from the political, business, and football sectors, who expressed excitement over the transformational initiative expected to enhance the development of Nigerian football.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” Rt. Hon. Abbas said during the ceremony.
Leader of the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa), emphasized FIFA’s commitment to infrastructure development, stating that it has remained a priority under President Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau expressed his delight, stating that the facilities would serve all national teams. “Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day we were sworn into office in Benin City on September 30, 2022, this was one of the projects I was determined to push forward with my Executive Committee as a lasting legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide the right infrastructure, equipment, and support systems to enable players and officials to perform at their best. A players’ hostel and new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs in these areas, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, highlighted his role in the realization of the old FIFA Goal Project, which included the Technical Centre and synthetic pitch, both of which will now be reconstructed. He also helped secure the land for the new project.
Other dignitaries who delivered goodwill messages included Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, CG Bashir Adeniyi; former Edo State Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Sports, Senator Abdul Ningi; former Minister of Youth and Sports, Chief Sunday Dare (now Special Adviser, Media and Public Communications/Spokesperson to the President), and Nigerian football legend Olusegun Odegbami, who spoke on behalf of ex-players present.
