Governor Makinde Assures Super Eagles Game Before 2027

At the Nigeria Football Federation’s 81st Annual General Assembly in Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde announced his government’s readiness to host the Super Eagles at the Lekan Salami Stadium, promising to provide the support and infrastructure required to make it happen.

While opening the gathering, Makinde commended the NFF for progress in rebuilding football across the country, particularly its renewed focus on grassroots and domestic competitions. “We are ready in Oyo State to host the Super Eagles. Let us assess the facilities at the Lekan Salami Stadium and see what needs to be improved. I give you my word, we will invest the needed resources,” he said as quoted by the News Agency of Nigeria.

The governor also pressed for reform in the leadership of sports bodies, suggesting a single-term tenure for administrators to enhance accountability, stability, and performance.

Responding to the pledge, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised Makinde’s consistent investment in sports and assured that a Super Eagles fixture would be played in Ibadan before 2027. “We appreciate your contributions to football and sports. I assure you that before 2027, a Nigerian national team match will be hosted here in recognition of your consistent support,” Gusau stated.

Former NFF president Amaju Pinnick also addressed participants, urging unity among stakeholders and encouraging them to support the federation’s current leadership.

The assembly drew several notable figures in football, including FIFA observers Hamed Haraz and Lyrique Dupiesis, FIFA representative Nadim Magdy, WAFU Executive Director Philippe Tchere, and many Nigerian football stakeholders.

Makinde’s remarks came shortly after Oyo State successfully hosted the Falconets’ FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. The state had allocated N110 million to cover logistics, security, accommodation, and related expenses for the fixture, which ended in a commanding 4-0 win for Nigeria, sealing a 5-0 aggregate triumph.