The Kaduna State Government has commenced a comprehensive reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) to upgrade it to international standards, following its official takeover from the Federal Government.
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During an inspection tour of the facility yesterday, the Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the stadium—built in 1964—had fallen into a state of disrepair, making it unfit for hosting national, continental, or global sporting events.
“The vision of Governor Uba Sani is to deliver an international-standard stadium that will attract foreign investment, revive Kaduna’s sporting glory, and create jobs for our youths,” Maiyaki stated.
He recalled that Kaduna once produced more than half of Nigeria’s national football team, including stars such as Emmanuel and Celestine Babayaro, Tijani Babangida, and Garba Lawal, owing to the quality of sports facilities available at the time.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Sports Development, Professor Benjamin Kumai Gugong, disclosed that the renovation—captured in the 2025 budget—would be executed in phases. The first phase will cover the refurbishment of the main stadium, two practice pitches, a 48-room hostel, and courts for basketball, handball, beach soccer, and beach volleyball.
“Once completed, ABS will meet FIFA and CAF hosting standards,” Gugong assured.
