Ogun, NSC Partner to Transform Shagamu Stadium into Nigeria’s First Dedicated Athletics Stadium
The ongoing renovation of the Shagamu Stadium in Ogun State is set to usher in a new chapter for Nigerian athletics, with the facility expected to become the country’s first stadium designed exclusively for athletics when completed next year.
The ambitious project, being undertaken through a partnership between the Ogun State Government and the National Sports Commission (NSC), will transform the Shagamu Stadium into a modern athletics centre equipped with facilities that meet the requirements of major international competitions.
Beyond upgrading the existing infrastructure, the project will introduce additional athletics facilities, including a dedicated warm-up area, a medical centre and other essential support infrastructure to provide athletes with a complete training and competition environment.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the Shagamu Stadium project as part of the Federal Government’s broader commitment to upgrading sports infrastructure across the country.
According to Olopade, the Shagamu project is just one of more than 30 stadium renovation and sports infrastructure projects currently ongoing in different parts of Nigeria.
“Shagamu Stadium is one of the major projects we are undertaking in our determination to reposition sports infrastructure in Nigeria. What we are doing here goes beyond giving the stadium a facelift. We are creating a dedicated athletics facility that will provide our athletes with the right environment to train and compete,” Olopade said.
“The project is a partnership between the National Sports Commission and the Ogun State Government, and we are determined to ensure that the facility meets the standards required to host major athletics competitions.”
The NSC Director General further explained that the inclusion of a warm-up area, medical centre and other specialised facilities would make the stadium a comprehensive destination for athletics events.
“We want a facility where athletes can prepare properly before competitions, access the necessary medical support and enjoy the facilities expected of a modern athletics stadium. These are important considerations if Nigeria wants to attract and successfully host major international championships,” he added.
The renovation of Shagamu Stadium is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s capacity to bid for and host major continental and international athletics competitions, while also providing a suitable venue for the development of home-based athletes.
With completion expected next year, the project could become an important addition to Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, particularly at a time when the country is seeking to reclaim its position as a leading destination for major athletics events in Africa.
The upgraded facility for Ogun State will also represent a significant investment in sports development, creating opportunities for athletes, coaches and administrators while potentially attracting international competitions to the state.
