JamzNG Latest News, Gist, Entertainment in Nigeria
Post views: 53
By Wakawaka Sports
The President of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abia State Chapter, Kingsley Okwum, has appealed to the Abia State Government to consider installing a modern synthetic pitch at the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of the ongoing renovation, describing it as the best long-term solution for the facility.
Speaking on the project, Okwum said Abia Warriors FC had endured difficult seasons without a permanent stadium, forcing the club to play its home matches away from Umuahia. According to him, the deal not only affected the team’s performance, but also denied fans the opportunity to support their team at home.
Many loyal Abia Warriors fans, including Kanu Okechukwu and Philip Okeoma, are eager for the club to return to Umuahia. However, they believe that the stadium should be equipped with a playing surface of comparable quality to that of the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
“They are tired of traveling to Aba to watch the Abia Warriors play on one of the best pitches in the country, only to return to Umuahia and see the team struggling on a grass pitch that does not encourage free football,” Okwum said.
He noted that the synthetic pitch at Enyimba International Stadium has remained in excellent condition for years, proving that investing in quality infrastructure offers long-term value.
While some stakeholders have suggested retaining a natural grass pitch because the stadium is also used by athletes from other sports, Okwum believes this should not hamper the possibility of giving Abia Warriors a modern home pitch.
“If the concern is where other sports will train, then the government should develop alternative facilities for them. A professional football team deserves a pitch that can withstand constant use and meet modern standards,” he added.
Okwum pointed out that the Umuahia Municipality Stadium is one of the busiest public facilities in the state and hosts football matches, political rallies, religious programmes, cultural festivals and entertainment events. He argued that a synthetic field is better suited to withstand such heavy use while reducing maintenance costs.
He called on the Abia State Government to use the ongoing renovation as an opportunity to make a lasting investment by providing a world-class playing surface for the benefit of Abia Warriors, sports fans and future generations.
According to him, adopting a long-term solution now will save the State the cost of repeated repairs and ensure that the Umuahia Township stadium remains one of the premier sports venues in Nigeria.
