Yakubu Gowon Stadium Set for Major Sports Overhaul

The Yakubu Gowon Stadium in Port Harcourt is set to undergo massive reconstruction to transform it into a new hub for international sports, including hosting international football matches and global track and field championships. The stadium, with a capacity of 16,000, is being remodeled into a world-class arena under a contract awarded to Monimichel Sports Construction Company.

Barrister Christoph Green, a former board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), expressed confidence that the stadium will meet the standards required for certification by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA). As of now, the project is reported to be 90% complete, with significant advancements in various areas, including the installation of drainage systems and the preparation of the athletic track.

The completion is anticipated by July 2026, coinciding with the Nigerian Army's annual celebration, which will involve heavy vehicle movement at the facility. Ebi Egb, the Managing Director and CEO of Monimichel, emphasized the importance of completing the project to FIFA standards and addressing any challenges related to funding and bureaucratic processes.