Makinde Backs Hosting of Super Eagles in Ibadan, Pledges Full Support

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed readiness to provide infrastructure and logistics to host the Super Eagles at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.

He made the pledge on Saturday during the opening of the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), which took place in Ibadan.

Makinde praised the NFF leadership for efforts in reviving Nigerian football, particularly through grassroots initiatives and improvements in the domestic league.

He assured that the state government would channel the necessary resources to upgrade the facilities at the stadium to meet international standards.

“We are prepared in Oyo State to welcome the Super Eagles. Let us evaluate the stadium facilities and determine what needs to be upgraded. I give my commitment that we will make the required investments,” Makinde said.

The governor also recommended a single-term tenure for sports administrators in the country, noting that such a reform would encourage transparency, continuity, and enhanced performance in sports governance.

NFF President, Ibrahim Gusau, commended Makinde’s dedication to sports development and confirmed that a Super Eagles fixture would be staged in Oyo State before the end of the governor’s tenure in 2027.

“We recognize your consistent support for football. I can assure you that before 2027, the Nigerian national team will play a match here in Ibadan,” Gusau stated.

Former NFF president, Amaju Pinnick, in his goodwill message, urged stakeholders to unite behind the current leadership’s vision and foster harmony within Nigerian football.

The gathering drew prominent personalities from the global football community, including FIFA observers Hamed Haraz and Lyrique Dupiesis, FIFA representative Nadim Magdy, WAFU Executive Director Philippe Tchere, and several top Nigerian football administrators.