2025/2026 League Opener: NNL team inspects Mc Carthy Stadium, gives Benue State two weeks for facility upgrade
Photo: L-R…The Hon commissioner For youth, sports and creativity Hon. Tiza Imojime along side The Chairman Nigeria National League (NNL) George Aluo, Dr Philip Nongu Chairman Lobi Stars football Club and Chief Barr Paul Edeh the Chairman Benue State Football Association During the NNL delegation inspection visit to McCarthy stadium Wadata Makurdi Benue State ahead of the new Season.
By Ifeanyi Eduzor
Ahead of the November, 7 kick off date of the 2025/2026 Nigeria National League ( NNL ) season, the inspection team of the league board led by the chairman, Mr. George Aluo Thursday inspected Mc Carthy Stadium, Markurdi, venue of the kick off game between Lobi Stars and City FC of Abuja.
Speaking after the inspection, Mr. Aluo noted that though the stadium boasts of a good playing pitch but it lacks other facilities necessary for league matches.
“We’ re here in Makurdi to assess the preparedness of the state to host the league opener. From what we saw on ground, the playing turf is in perfect condition but the stadium lacks other facilities necessary to host such a high profile league opener,” he stated.
Aluo explained that they have listed our other requirements that must be fixed and given the state government two weeks to provide those facilities before the stadium will be given the approval to host the match.
In their remarks, Benue State Commissioner For Sports, Hon. Tiza Imojime and the FA Chairman Bar Paul Edeh, assured the inspection team that the stadium will be ready for the league opener.
“We have noted all your concerns and we want to assure you that all your concerns will be addressed in a matter of days and the stadium will be ready for the game and Lobi Stars will play all their home matches in Makurdi,” they assured.
Meanwhile the NNL has put another venue on standby incase the state did not meet up with the two weeks grace as the league must kick off on November 7, 2025.
