By The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has begun the construction of a new Players’ Hostel and training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The groundbreaking ceremony took place today, March 18, and was attended by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas GCON.
The NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel will be a 68-room, two-winged facility located near the NFF Secretariat. It will consist of 62 single rooms, four suites, and two executive suites, providing comfortable accommodation for national team players. The project also includes two new training pitches—one synthetic and one natural grass—while the existing synthetic pitch will be upgraded.
Funded through FIFA’s Forward 3.0 program, the project aims to boost football development in Nigeria while ensuring transparency in resource management. The initiative is part of a global effort led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to improve sports infrastructure worldwide.
Expressing his enthusiasm, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau said, “The NFF is thrilled about the Players’ Hostel and new training pitches. This transformational project will enhance team management and significantly reduce expenditures, allowing us to allocate more funds to grassroots development programs.”
FIFA’s Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer, Gelson Fernandes, commended the initiative, emphasizing the project’s significance in promoting Nigerian football. “This project is a brilliant one for Nigeria football, and we are proud to support the NFF not only with funding but also by sharing expertise,” he remarked.
The construction is expected to be completed in 24 months. The project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s football infrastructure, providing better facilities for national teams and nurturing future talents.
