The Nigerian National Sports Commission (NSC) has proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to maintain the Moshood Abiola national stadium in Abuja. Despite a USD 1 million renovation project, the stadium has fallen disrepair with the stadium pitch being the biggest victim.

In 2020, Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, pledged the money to revive the stadium. The main bowl was to be transformed with Pure dynasty paspalum grass, the same turf used at the 2022 FIFA world cup in Qatar. Digital scoreboards, 24 sprinkler systems, and nursery beds for sustainable turf care and a two-year maintenance contract managed by Aron Nigeria Limited, complemented the agreement.

The deal was part of the Federal Government’s Adopt-A-Pitch initiative.

Barely two years later, the once-lush pitch had turned unpredictable. During a game of the national team against Sierra Leone, players slipped, the ball bounced awkwardly, and injuries to key players William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina were blamed on the poor surface. Fans were outraged and journalists referred to the pitch as a ‘potato field’.

It appeared that the two-year maintenance plan had fallen apart. Apparently, the nursery beds were never used, and the turf was left to dry out under the harsh Abuja heat.

According to the Daily Trust, the stadium’s decline is not just an isolated incident but mirrors the wider decay of Nigeria’s sports infrastructure. In a report, the stated that former sports minister Sunday Dare once admitted, “Without a concrete plan to sustain improvements, stadiums are doomed to cycle back into disrepair.” Experts like Segun Odegbami had warned about poor drainage and maintenance standards, but their advice was ignored.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has now proposed a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Drawing inspiration from facilities like the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London, they envision multi-use stadiums with hotels, restaurants, and commercial spaces that generate income and ensure sustainability.