NFF Lists Conditions for Super Eagles’ Return to Lagos
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said the Super Eagles will not move their home matches from Uyo to Lagos until certain conditions are met.
The federation said the decision would depend on the readiness of the Teslim Balogun Stadium and other factors, including the possible impact of changing the team’s home ground.
The development comes amid reports that the NFF is considering Lagos as a venue for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches following the Super Eagles’ 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.
According to a senior NFF official, the federation is considering hosting the first leg of the upcoming fixtures in Uyo on November 11, while the return leg could take place in Zanzibar on November 15. However, the dates are still subject to confirmation by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The official said the NFF was not ready to move the team to Lagos or another venue at the moment, adding that a sudden change of home ground could affect the players’ performance.
“Lagos is under consideration, but Uyo remains the venue for our games,” the official said.
The federation also plans to consult the players before making a final decision on the possible move.
The NFF is considering organising friendly matches at the newly renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium to assess its facilities and see how local fans respond before hosting competitive international matches there.
The official noted that the Super Eagles have played most of their home matches in Uyo for nearly a decade, making it important to carefully consider the effects of moving to another venue.
He also disclosed that the Teslim Balogun Stadium was not yet ready to host an international match. NFF inspectors are expected to assess the facility after the Lagos State Government completes the renovation work.
With less than a month remaining before the proposed fixtures, concerns have been raised about whether there will be enough time to complete the inspections and obtain the necessary approvals.
Meanwhile, the NFF and the Super Eagles’ technical crew, led by head coach Eric Chelle, have started monitoring players who could be invited for the matches.
The official added that preparations, including the players’ reporting date, would depend on CAF’s confirmation of the fixtures.
The NFF is expected to announce the squad five days after the match dates are confirmed, taking into account the availability of players.
