Lafia City Stadium Set for Major Upgrade Ahead of 2025/2026 NPFL Season

Posted : 17 June 2025

The Nasarawa State Government has initiated a comprehensive upgrade of the Lafia City Stadium in preparation for the 2025/2026 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Kwanta Yakubu, led a government delegation and a team of technical experts on an inspection tour of the facility on Monday.

This move follows a directive issued by the NPFL Board on June 3, 2025, requiring all participating clubs to improve their stadium infrastructure in line with league standards. Key areas of focus include the installation of standard LED floodlights for night matches, provision of a backup power supply, upgraded playing turf, perimeter fencing, emergency access routes, and enhanced changing rooms for players and officials.

Speaking after the inspection, Commissioner Yakubu reaffirmed the state’s commitment to meeting the league's requirements.

"We have identified critical areas needing immediate attention and will brief Governor Abdullahi Sule accordingly. The governor is passionate about sports, especially football, and will ensure our teams do not suffer the hardship of playing home games away from Lafia," Yakubu said.

He noted that the previous season was challenging due to logistical and financial burdens caused by hosting matches outside Lafia, which impacted team performance and morale.

"We’re determined to avoid a repeat. In the coming days, we will begin installing the appropriate floodlights, replace sections of the turf that are deteriorating, refurbish changing rooms, install tartan tracks for athletics, and introduce a digital scoreboard among other improvements," he added.

The Commissioner also confirmed that the stadium will host the annual Gusau/Ahlan Cup Preseason Football Tournament before the new league season begins on August 22, 2025.

Chairman of Nasarawa United FC, Solomon Babanjah, praised the government’s swift response to the NPFL’s directive, stating that the improvements would significantly boost the confidence and performance of both Nasarawa United and Nasarawa Amazons.

Other officials present during the inspection included:

Dr. Ibrahim Adamu Alhassan, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports Development
Ahmad Yusuf, Director of Facilities and Stadia Management
Salisu Galadima ‘Basira’, Chairman, Nasarawa State Football Association
Members of the expert team and local journalists

Nasarawa United ended the 2024/25 NPFL season in 12th place, narrowly avoiding relegation. Forward Anas Yusuf emerged as the league’s top scorer with 18 goals.

With the state government’s renewed commitment to sports infrastructure, Nasarawa is set to improve both performance and fan experience in the coming season.

Lafia City Stadium Set for Major Upgrade Ahead of 2025/2026 NPFL Season

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