Akpabio’s Legacy Shines Amid Nigeria’s Sports Infrastructure Collapse
The Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative (a registered organization with over ten thousand members across the state) has observed with deep concern the sheer ineptitude of governmental authorities in managing and developing sports infrastructure. This neglect is a grave indictment of the nation’s priorities. Despite Nigeria’s considerable wealth and abundant human capital, the country’s inability to maintain even a handful of stadiums that meet international football standards is a glaring anomaly.
The recent announcement by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that only two Nigerian venues namely the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo and the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja are fit to host matches in the 2025/26 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup is both telling and shameful. In a nation of over 200 million people, with a rich football tradition, this acute shortage of standard facilities is a national embarrassment.
Worse still, the logistic challenges ahead are inevitable. Multiple clubs will be forced to share just two stadiums for home matches thus creating scheduling chaos and travel strain for players and fans alike. This is the predictable outcome of years of chronic neglect and lack of vision in sports development. While other nations with far fewer resources have invested heavily in modern sports arenas, Nigeria’s leaders have too often relegated sports infrastructure to the bottom of the priority list.
Yet, in this bleak landscape, one bright spot stands out which is the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Built during Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio’s tenure as governor of Akwa Ibom State, the facility remains a measure of excellence and a symbol of what visionary leadership can achieve. Akpabio’s administration was marked by transformative projects across sectors ranging from road networks and school rehabilitation to healthcare upgrades which have earned him accolades such as Governor of the Year and the moniker “Uncommon Transformer.”
The CAF-approved stadium is more than just a sports venue; it is a lasting attestation of Akpabio’s commitment to excellence, regional cooperation, and sports development. It has placed Akwa Ibom on the continental football map and has also attracted international matches, boosted tourism, and injected new life into the local economy. Every few months, the stadium draws thousands of fans from across Africa which has invariably turned Uyo into a vibrant hub of sporting excitement and cultural exchange.
In just the past two years, its role in promoting sports tourism has been undeniable. Hotels, restaurants, transport services, and local markets have all benefitted from the influx of visitors, proving that sports infrastructure is not just about games, but also about economic growth. Without Akpabio’s foresight, Nigeria might today be without a CAF- or FIFA-approved venue for its national teams thereby forcing home games into foreign stadiums.
This example provides a clear lesson for other governors: investing in world-class sports facilities is not a luxury. Rather, it is a pathway to economic development, youth engagement, and national pride. The federal and state governments must urgently commit to building and upgrading stadiums that meet global standards. With strategic investment and the right leadership, Nigeria can host more international events, nurture future athletes, and reclaim its rightful place as a leader in African sports.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is proof that one leader’s vision can inspire a generation. If replicated across the country, such vision could transform Nigeria’s sporting future and ensure that the embarrassment of inadequate infrastructure becomes a thing of the past.
We are also pleased to note that, apart from infrastructural development in Akwa Ibom State, the President of the Senate; Goodwill Akpabio is also a human capacity developer. This legacy is visible through current Global President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, Dr. Solomon Adodo, in few months of taking over the mantle of leadership. He has transformed the once moribund association to exceptional height. We are appealing to other governors to emulate the legacy of Senator Godwill Akpabio, the President of the Senate and Chairman of the 10th Assembly.
Signed, Odofin Oluwafemi Olusegun Convener. Ondo State Scholars Arena for Development Initiative. _E-mail femkelvine@gmail.com_