The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon.
Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation
(NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and
new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will
boost Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at
the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative
and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.
“This is a noble project, and the National
Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports
Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing
to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.
He also assured the House of Representatives’ support
for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in
other key areas where assistance is required.
Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy
Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s
commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development
has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.
Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau
stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national
teams, leagues, and academies.
“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my
Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th
September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for
Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive
environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players
and officials to perform at their best.
“Building a players’ hostel and having new training
pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing
us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded
Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in
Nigeria.
The event was well attended by local and international
stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking
ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.
In addition to the hostel, the project includes:
Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one
natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.
Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838
seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two
dressing rooms for officials.
The construction is expected to last 24 months and is
fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.
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