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Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago, had led the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, on an inspection tour of the ongoing renovation of the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna as efforts intensify to ensure that the Niger Tornadoes continue to play their home matches in Minna.
Speaking during the inspection, Governor Bago said the stadium had served the state for many years necessitating ongoing rehabilitation.
“We have been managing this stadium for a long time. It has outlived its usefulness, but we do not want the Niger Tornados to continue playing their home matches outside Minna. That is why we are carrying out renovation works to make the pitch playable and bring it to the required standard for the club to continue playing in Minna,” the Governor said.
Governor Bago noted that the renovation marks the first comprehensive modernization of the stadium’s playing surface since the facility was built, describing the move as unprecedented.
He expressed confidence that the visit of the NFF leadership will further motivate contractors to deliver quality work within stipulated time.
“The work currently underway is unprecedented. The arrival of the NFF has encouraged us to do even better. We have interacted with the contractors and expect the project to be completed within the next 30 days,” he added.
The Governor further revealed that in addition to the ongoing rehabilitation, the state government is already drawing up advanced plans for the construction of a modern stadium that will meet international standards and is expected to be completed and put into operation within the next two years.
Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau commended Governor Bago for prioritizing sports infrastructure, stressing that the federation found it necessary to inspect the project following reports of the ongoing renovation.
“I am happy to be here today. When we received the information that Governor Bago had started work on the Bako Kontagora Stadium, we felt it was important to come and see the progress first-hand and encourage him to do even more,” Gusau said.
He acknowledged the challenges that the Niger Tornadoes have faced in recent seasons due to the unavailability of adequate playing ground and stressed the importance of completing the project on schedule.
“We discussed with the project manager, who explained the scope of the work carried out. Our visit is to ensure that the renovation meets the required standards and is completed on time, so that the Niger Tornadoes can play their home matches in Minna instead of traveling elsewhere for their home matches.”
Gusau also assured the Niger State Government of the NFF’s continued support and collaboration towards the development of football infrastructure in the state.
He expressed optimism that Governor Bago’s administration can provide a modern and adequate stadium before the end of his tenure, adding that Niger State’s strategic proximity to Abuja presents a unique opportunity to host Nigeria’s national teams and other major football events in the future.
©️NTFC MEDIA
