Super Eagles Not Considering Relocating to Lagos, Says NFF

Posted : 14 October 2026

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has played down reports that the Super Eagles are preparing to relocate their home matches from Uyo to Lagos. The federation maintains that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium remains the team's established home venue for international fixtures.

The reports emerged after Nigeria suffered a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in their second match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign. The disappointing result increased scrutiny of the team's preparations and raised questions about possible changes ahead of their remaining fixtures.

According to The Guardian, a senior NFF official who requested anonymity said the federation was not rushing to move the team to Lagos or another venue. The official warned that changing stadiums without proper preparation could disrupt the players' familiarity with their surroundings and affect their performance.

“Lagos is under consideration, but Uyo remains the venue for our games,” the official said.

The source explained that the NFF would consult the players before making any decision about using the renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium. The federation could also organise friendly matches in Lagos to assess the team's response and evaluate fan interest before considering a competitive fixture there.

The official further stated that Teslim Balogun Stadium was not yet ready to host an international match. Once the Lagos State Government completes the renovation work, NFF inspectors will assess the facility and advise the federation on its suitability.

Any proposed move would also require the necessary approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). With the upcoming fixtures approaching, the federation is expected to prioritise preparations rather than rush into a venue change.

Uyo has hosted several important Super Eagles matches over the past decade. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium staged Nigeria's 2-2 draw against South Africa in an AFCON qualifier on November 19, 2014, and has since become a regular venue for the national team.

However, Nigeria have also played competitive home matches in Lagos and Abuja. These venues remain possible alternatives, provided they meet the necessary requirements and receive the relevant approvals.

Meanwhile, the NFF and head coach Eric Chelle's technical team have begun monitoring players ahead of the upcoming qualifiers. The federation plans to select available players and issue invitations once CAF confirms the fixture dates.

The NFF official said the dates for players to report to camp would depend on the approved schedule. The federation also plans to announce the squad for the back-to-back matches five days after receiving confirmation of the dates, subject to player availability.

Super Eagles Not Considering Relocating to Lagos, Says NFF

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