Ahmadu Bello Stadium to be upgraded to FIFA standard — Uba Sani

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has announced plans to remodel the Ahmadu Bello Stadium into a modern, FIFA-standard sports facility capable of hosting international competitions.

The governor said the stadium, originally built in 1965, requires a comprehensive upgrade to meet current global standards, noting that the renovation will expand its seating capacity to 32,000 — nearly double its present size.

Sani disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving the Director-General of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), Comrade Phillip Shuaibu, and his delegation during a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna.

He pledged that once completed, the revamped stadium would become one of the largest in the country, second only to the National Stadium in Abuja.

The governor praised Shuaibu’s leadership at the NIS, describing him as experienced and dynamic. He noted that the institute had been struggling before Shuaibu’s appointment but is now witnessing significant improvements. Sani also recalled their shared involvement in the pro-democracy movement that led to the restoration of civilian rule in 1999 and commended Shuaibu’s performance as former Deputy Governor of Edo State.

Earlier, Shuaibu said the NIS is focused on developing skilled manpower for the sports sector through the training of coaches, paramedics, and other professionals.

He explained that upon assuming office, he constituted a 32-member team to reposition the institute, which subsequently developed a 10-year strategic plan, organized training programmes, and established six zonal offices nationwide to improve coordination.

According to him, the North-West zonal office will be located in Kaduna, while Yola and Jos will host the North-East and North-Central offices. Benin, Enugu, and Abeokuta will serve as the bases for the South-South, South-East, and South-West zones respectively.

Shuaibu expressed appreciation to Governor Sani for promising to provide a fully furnished office space for the take-off of the North-West zonal office.