Kaduna State Govt Begins Comprehensive Reconstruction of Ahmadu Bello Stadium…details 

The Kaduna State Government has begun comprehensive reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) to elevate it to international standards, after officially assuming control from the Federal Government.

During a tour of the facility yesterday, the Commissioner of Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, noted that the stadium, constructed in 1964, had significantly deteriorated. This deterioration rendered it unsuitable for hosting national events, not to mention continental or international competitions.

He said, “The vision of Governor Uba Sani is to deliver an international-standard stadium that will attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory, and create jobs for our youths.”

He added that Kaduna, at its height, was responsible for producing more than half of Nigeria’s national football team, which included notable players such as Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal. This was largely due to the high-quality facilities available at the time.

Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, the Commissioner for Sports Development, announced that the renovation, which is allocated in the 2025 budget, will be carried out in stages. The initial stage will focus on the renovation of the main stadium, two practice fields, a hostel with 48 rooms, and facilities for basketball, handball, beach soccer, and beach volleyball.

“Once completed, ABS will meet FIFA and CAF hosting standards,” he added.