By Akinsuroju Olubunmi
Stadium unfit: Ibadan’s Lekan Salami declared inadequate for NPFL matches
The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared the playing turf of Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, Oyo State, unfit to host matches. This decision comes just three years after the stadium was rehabilitated by Governor Seyi Makinde and handed over to the state-owned football club, Shooting Stars (3SC).
The league board announced this decision in a statement released on Thursday through its official website. Alongside 3SC, six other clubs, including Sunshine Stars of Akure, Plateau United of Jos, and Kwara United of Ilorin, have been affected.
The NPFL’s statement read, “Lagos will host the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), which will deliberate on the 2024/25 season scheduled to start on August 31, 2024. Towards this kick-off date, some clubs have been directed to carry out remedial works to ensure that their grounds meet the Facility Requirements of the Club Licensing Regulations.”
In a letter dated July 2, Davidson Owumi, the Chief Operating Officer, extended the invitation for the AGM and congratulated the clubs on the successful completion of the last season. The letter mentioned that some clubs had been informed about the unacceptable conditions of their playing turfs and the lack of necessary broadcast support facilities like elevated camera stands.
Owumi urged the clubs that did not receive letters to conduct a self-review of their facilities to ensure they meet the necessary requirements. He emphasized that clubs such as Abia Warriors, Sunshine Stars, Shooting Stars, and Kwara United need to address defects in their stadiums. Similarly, Niger Tornadoes, Plateau United, and the newly promoted El Kanemi Warriors must upgrade their playing turf or face the possibility of playing on alternative grounds.
Stadium, Clubs
Stadium unfit: Ibadan’s Lekan Salami declared inadequate for NPFL matches