NFF breaks ground for construction of players’ hostel, new training pitches
The Ibrahim Musa Gusau-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) administration is set to achieve another milestone on Tuesday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a Players’ Hostel and multiple new training pitches in Abuja.
The ceremony will be conducted by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, GCON.
Named the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel, the 68-room facility will be situated in Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, near the NFF Secretariat. The two-wing structure will feature 62 single rooms, four suites, and two executive suites.
In addition, the project includes the construction of two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass), the reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch, seating terraces for spectators, and dressing rooms for players and officials. The spectator terraces will accommodate 1,838 seats, while the dressing rooms will each accommodate 27 players at a time.
The construction, expected to be completed within 24 months, is funded by FIFA through its FIFA Forward 3.0 program.
The FIFA Forward program, launched in 2016 under FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to enhance global football development by increasing investment, implementing impactful and tailored projects, and ensuring transparency in fund management.
NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau expressed excitement about the project, stating: “The NFF is thrilled about the Players’ Hostel and new training pitches. This is a transformational project for our national teams, and we are grateful to FIFA for providing the funds for these world-class facilities. From the start of this administration, we prioritized the FIFA Forward 3.0 funds for these projects, as they will not only improve team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots football development.”
FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer and Regional Director (Africa), Gelson Fernandes, praised the initiative, saying: “The main goal of the Forward Programme is to ensure top-quality infrastructure that fosters football development worldwide. The NFF’s transformation of its Technical Centre is a perfect example—enhancing training pitches, building modern accommodation, and creating a true home for the national teams. This project is a fantastic step forward for Nigerian football.”
