General Manager of Utility Sports FC, Lagos, Lawal Abiodun, has called for a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports infrastructure, warning that the country’s deteriorating facilities are hindering the development of young athletes and limiting Nigeria’s ability to host major international competitions.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with Sports247, Abiodun described the state of sports facilities across the country as a major concern and urged both government and corporate organisations to take greater responsibility for developing modern sporting infrastructure.
“Facilities in Nigeria are all in shambles and not properly managed,” Abiodun said, stressing that infrastructure must become a major priority if Nigeria is serious about rebuilding its sports ecosystem.
He proposed that stronger collaboration between government and major corporate organisations could play a transformational role by investing in international-standard sports facilities across different states.
According to him, such investments should not be viewed merely as corporate social responsibility projects but as long-term contributions towards giving young Nigerians the opportunity to discover and fulfil their sporting potential.
Abiodun also challenged state governments to make sports infrastructure development a priority across the country.
“Our government should also make it a point of duty for all state governors to build international-standard sports centres and games villages all around each local government area of the federation,” he said.
The Utility Sports FC administrator further expressed concern about Nigeria’s declining presence as a host of major international sporting competitions, pointing to Morocco’s emergence as a leading destination for football events in recent years.
He noted that Morocco’s transformation into a major sports-hosting hub required significant investment in stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, and other supporting infrastructure.
“To be frank, Morocco single-handedly can host the Men’s World Cup right now and give the world a befitting World Cup,” he argued.
Abiodun, however, believes Nigeria possesses the population, talent, and history to become a major sporting destination once again. He said the country could position itself to host major competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations and potentially the FIFA World Cup, within the next decade if leaders adopt an innovative and long-term approach.
“Nigeria sports ecosystem needs a holistic revival,” he concluded.
His comments highlight the urgent need for sustained investment, proper maintenance, and strategic planning as Nigeria seeks to unlock its enormous sporting potential and reclaim its position as one of Africa’s leading sports nations.
