The Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for its commitment to infrastructure development as he officially flagged off construction work on the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held under the bright Abuja sun, brought together key figures from politics, business, and football to celebrate a project that aims to strengthen the Ibrahim Gusau-led NFF administration’s legacy both locally and internationally.
Speaking at the event, Rt. Hon. Abbas lauded the initiative and assured full support from the National Assembly.
“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full backing. I congratulate the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I appreciate FIFA for funding this initiative,” he stated before cutting the ribbon.
The FIFA delegation, led by Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director for Africa, reiterated FIFA’s commitment to infrastructure as a key component of its vision under President Gianni Infantino.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau, visibly elated, highlighted the importance of the facilities in supporting Nigeria’s national teams.
“My joy knows no bounds. From the day we assumed office in Benin City on 30th September 2022, my Executive Committee and I made this project a priority as part of our legacy for Nigerian football.
For our teams to excel at the highest level, we must provide the right infrastructure, equipment, and support systems. The players’ hostel and training pitches will improve team management, cut costs, and free up funds for grassroots development,” Gusau stated.
Among those who delivered goodwill messages were NSC Chairman Alhaji Shehu Dikko—who played a crucial role in securing land for the project—Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service CG Bashir Adeniyi, former Edo State Deputy Governor Phillip Shaibu, Senate Committee on Sports Chairman Senator Abdul Ningi, and former Minister of Youth and Sports Chief Sunday Dare, who now serves as the President’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications.
Nigerian football legend Dr. Olusegun Odegbami also spoke on behalf of former players in attendance.
Dignitaries present included UAE Ambassador to Nigeria His Excellency Salem Ali Shamsi, former Sports Minister Senator John Owan Enoh (now Minister of State for Industry), NFF 2nd Vice President Hon. Gbenga Elegbeleye, and several NFF Executive Committee members, including Aisha Falode, Babagana Kalli, Yusuf Ahmed, and George Aluo.
Also represented were the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa; Inspector General of Police Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, the Ambassador of Morocco to Nigeria; and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Sports.
This landmark project is expected to enhance the training conditions for Nigerian footballers, providing world-class facilities for both national teams and upcoming talents.
