When it comes to sports and football, Nigeria is one of the biggest countries in the world, with talent scattered across the biggest sports around. With 36 States across six geo-political zones, Nigeria can boast of at least one stadium in each state.
However, the majority of them are community stadiums and sports centres but having hosted the Africa Cup of Nations twice, the FIFA under-17 and FIFA under-20 World Cup on one occasion each, as well as some other sporting tournaments, Nigeria stepped up in terms of sporting facilities.
Hence, today we will take a look at the top five football stadiums in the country in terms of capacity. Here are the five biggest football stadiums in Nigeria.
1. Moshood Abiola National Stadium
Capacity: 60,491
The Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja is the biggest stadium in the country. Apart from its 60,000 capacity, the edifice, which was built in 2003, also houses other sports, including Olympic size swimming pool, basketball court, FIFA-grade training pitches, and Gymnasium.
The stadium was neglected for a period of time but was recently renovated and refurbished by Nigerian businessman Aliko Dangote, after which the stadium was renamed after the late politician.
2. Lagos National Stadium
Capacity: 55,000
The National Stadium in Lagos, for a long time, remained the biggest stadium in the country and hosted a lot of national team matches from the 1970s.
The stadium hosted the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations final, which the super Eagles won in front of a home crowd, as well as the 2000 Cup of Nations co-hosted with Ghana.
However, the infrastructure has been neglected for a long time, but it is currently under re-construction, and it is expected to host national team matches in the coming years.
3. The New Jos Stadium
Capacity: 44,000
The New Jos stadium is home to Plateau United. With a capacity of 44,000, it is expected to be one of the biggest stadiums in the country once its construction is completed.
However, the construction of the infrastructure has stretched over the years and is still not completed, but it’s already been utilized by Plateau United as their home ground. It is projected to become one of the best football stadiums in Nigeria when it is completed.
4. Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium
Capacity: 38,000
Located in Port Harcourt, the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium has a 38,000 capacity and a natural grass surface. It’s home to Rivers United and is one of the newest stadiums in Nigeria, having been built in 2015. The stadium is named after former Super Eagles player Adokiye Amiesimaka, who won the African Nations Cup in 1980, and served as the chairman of Sharks Football club.
5. Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
Capacity: 35,000
Also known as the Karkanda stadium, the beautiful home of Katsina United sits amongst the largest in the country with a 35,000 capacity. The stadium is named after Katsina’s 20th Century Emir Muhammadu Dikko.
Opened in 2013, the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium is the fifth largest stadium in Nigeria. However, its artificial surface makes it difficult to attract national teams to play there.
