In a poignant symbol of lost national pride, the Lagos National Stadium in Surulere, once celebrated as Nigeria’s pinnacle of sporting excellence, has deteriorated into a derelict site, now occupied by mechanics and traders.
Having been neglected for over 19 years, attempts to renovate the 45,000-capacity stadium have been inadequate, leaving behind shattered glass, broken air conditioning units, and a weed-infested exterior as grim reminders of its past splendour.
Despite a philanthropic restoration initiative by Sir Kessington Adebutu, the stadium remains in a state of disrepair. Coaches and former athletes have voiced their concerns over the absence of a maintenance culture that has contributed to its decline. A boxing coach expressed dismay at the facility’s condition, highlighting Nigeria’s failure to maintain its sporting infrastructure in stark contrast to the well-kept venues found in other countries.
Public sentiment resonates with this sorrow, as taxi drivers reminisce about a time when the stadium was a sought-after destination for football enthusiasts. “When this stadium first opened, during the era of Haruna Ilerika and Rasheed Yekini, we would walk long distances if we couldn’t afford transport just to watch a match here. But now, look at what it has become—a venue for conventions and various parties.”
Former Nigerian international Friday Ekpo described the situation as “heartbreaking,” urging the government to take immediate action to restore the venue. “They promised to renovate the stadium and ensure it is in good condition, but it shouldn’t take this long. Efforts must be made to restore it, not just for Nigerians but for others too,” Ekpo stated.
A staff member responsible for the main bowl claimed that renovation work has been carried out in the designated areas, inviting people to verify the progress.
Furthermore, experts from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild have issued warnings about a potential disaster if prompt action is not taken. As calls for restoration intensify, the Surulere Stadium stands as a stark reminder of what could have been—a cautionary tale about the dangers of neglecting national pride in the pursuit of sporting excellence.
