In a bid to reduce the pressure on the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos – the only available stadium for professional football teams in Lagos State – the Lagos State Sports Commission has said at least five more stadiums which have been under renovation will be available for use by 2024.
Five Nigeria National League clubs — Ikorodu City, Smart City, 1472 FC, Inter Lagos, Trade Safe FC — and one Nigeria Premier Football League side, Sporting Lagos, are currently sharing the facility.
Director-General, LSSC, Oluwatoyin Gafar, told The PUNCH that the days of multiple matches per day at the Onikan stadium were numbered.
He stated this during the maiden edition of the Keep Fit Lagos, which was held in Onikan recently.
“By the end of this year, we will have five of our stadia ready for use, apart from this one (Mobolaji Johnson Arena),” Gafar said.
Gafar also added that the commission, as well as the Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Sports, have inspected some of the stadiums.
The Lagos State Government last year commenced the renovation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, Agege Stadium as well as other facilities in Ikorodu, Ifako-Ijaiye and Gbagada.
Meanwhile, some of the clubs currently using the Lagos State government-owned facilities have announced plans to move to their various bases as soon as other facilities were available.
Vice President of Ikorodu City FC, Sanmi Doherty, said the availability of other facilities will also create a new lease of life for more talent discovery.
“Thanks to the state government for doing their best in providing facilities for the clubs. By the time all these facilities are running, we would be able to engage more youths in different locations and from there we can develop more talents.”
Also, during the unveiling of 1472 FC CEO, Dr Segun Sanni said the club had their base in Surulere but were playing in Onikan pending the completion of renovation works at the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere.
NPFL side, Sporting Lagos, are also said to have their facility under construction.
