Dare tasks NFF on refurbished MKO Abiola national stadium pitch

The Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, is eager to see the newly refurbished pitch of the MKO Abiola national stadium Abuja host international matches.

It is for this reason that the Ministry will soon write to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to immediately begin the process of getting the stadium certified by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

In addition, the NFF is to facilitate the installation of the Video Assistant Refereeing (VAR) technology at the maibowl of the stadium. 

It will be recalled that last Friday, the newly rehabilitated pitch of the stadium and two new digital scoreboards were handed over to the Ministry by Aron Nigeria Limited, the contractors of the Dangote Industries Group on the project.

A reliable source in the Sports Ministry said Dare is leaving no stone unturned in his bid to get important international matches to the edifice.

“The Minister has instructed the Department of Facilities in the Ministry to work with the Nigeria Football Federation(NFF)on getting the stadium certified by CAF, or even FIFA, if need be,” the sources revealed.

“He wants the VAR technology installed there as well. So we expect the NFF to write CAF, get a checklist of what needs to be done before an inspection is carried out and to begin these processes without delay.

“I can confirm to you that work has commenced on the training pitches and that the other necessary facilities like the dressing rooms, Media Centre, Referees’ rooms, Medical rooms, Rest rooms and VIP Lounges are at full functionality already.”