By Sunday Ani
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, top sports administrators, FIFA representatives, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), and officials from the National Sports Commission have all commended the Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri’s construction of a 25,000 seater olympic stadium in the state.
It is believed that the move will transform the state’s sports landscape, attract global attention, and create new economic opportunities, as well as position Bayelsa as a hub for talent development and international sporting events.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Yenagoa recently, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, said the stadium was more than a Bayelsa project, calling it a national sports asset.
“When this facility is finished, it’s not only Bayelsa citizens that will play here. Everybody in Nigeria will come and play here, Enugu Rangers, Kano Pillars, Shooting Stars, and even the Super Eagles,” Dikko stated.
He emphasised that sports cannot thrive without modern infrastructure, noting that the Federal Government has made a historic commitment to support sports development.
“For the first time in Nigeria’s history, we have one of the biggest sports budgets this year, and most of it will go into infrastructure.
“This aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s broader vision for sports, including restructuring the Ministry of Sports into a National Sports Commission to fast-track professional sports growth.
Boost for Bayelsa’s economy and sports tourism
Beyond its role as a venue for local and international matches, the stadium is expected to drive economic growth by attracting investors, sponsors, and sports tourists. Dikko noted that the project would evolve into a full-fledged sports city, with hotels, shopping malls, and residential areas, making it a business hub.
“This area will not just be a stadium, it will be a sports city. There should be housing, hotels and shopping malls across this area.
“The facility will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, benefiting vendors, event organizers, security personnel and maintenance staff,” he said.
On his part, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, emphasised the economic value the stadium will bring, saying, “A FIFA-standard stadium in Bayelsa means we can bring international games here, which will create jobs, increase tourism and attract investors.”
Speaking further, Dikko said the stadium would be built with modern technology, ensuring international broadcasting and commercial standards. He highlighted the importance of TV-friendly infrastructure, allowing global audiences to experience Bayelsa’s sporting events.
“Stadiums are not just about the people who come to fill them; it’s about taking the content of the stadium to the rest of the world,” he said.
He also revealed plans for a sports infrastructure development and management agency, which will work closely with states and the private sector to ensure Nigeria’s sports facilities meet world-class standards.
Visionary project for future generations
The stadium is part of Diri’s broader agenda to enhance Bayelsa’s global sports visibility and develop young talents. The project also received high commendation from FIFA, with stakeholders pledging their full support.
Former President Jonathan highlighted the importance of investing in athletes’ futures, saying, “When we build a stadium like this, we are securing the future of our athletes. Many Nigerian sports heroes struggle after retirement, and we must ensure that they have lasting support.”
Setting new standard for Nigerian sports infrastructure
Dikko said the stadium represents a shift in Nigeria’s approach to sports infrastructure, as according to him, many stadia have suffered from poor maintenance, lack of modern facilities and limited commercial viability. He noted that this project was designed to correct past mistakes and set a new standard for stadium development.
He emphasised that Nigeria must learn from previous failures and adopt a futuristic approach to stadium construction.
“When you are building a stadium in 2025, you should ensure the infrastructure is future-proof. We have seen that apart from the Abuja Stadium, very few stadia in Nigeria are ‘plug-and-play’ for modern broadcasting. This must change.
“This focus on sustainability, functionality and commercial potential ensures that the stadium will not become another underutilized facility, but rather a thriving hub for sports, entertainment and tourism,” he said.
Catalyst for grassroots sports development
Beyond hosting major events, the new stadium is expected to play a critical role in grassroots sports development. Many footballers and athletes in Nigeria struggle with access to quality training facilities, affecting their competitiveness on the global stage.
With this project, Bayelsa is positioning itself as a center for nurturing young talent, providing a platform for athletes from across the region to train and compete at an elite level.
According to Gusau, the facility would serve as a breeding ground for future Super Eagles stars.
“For our players to be world-class, they need world-class facilities. This stadium will give young footballers a chance to develop their skills in a professional environment.
“Additionally, the National Sports Commission is working on a talent development strategy, which will use the stadium to host scouting programmes, coaching clinics and age-grade competitions,” he stated.
Road to completion: Nation’s anticipation
As the countdown to the stadium’s completion begins, expectations are high. The promise of hosting a Super Eagles match against Brazil at the opening ceremony has sparked excitement among the Nigerian football fans.
If completed on schedule, the stadium could play a major role in Nigeria’s bid to host international tournaments, including the AFCON, FIFA U-20 World Cup and African Games.
Governor Diri reassured stakeholders that his government was fully committed to seeing the project through.
“Bayelsa is ready to make history. This stadium will not only serve our people but will also put us on the global map. We are building for the future,” he said.
Bold step towards Nigeria’s sports renaissance
The Bayelsa Olympic Stadium represents more than just bricks and mortar, it is a statement of intent; a new era for sports development in Nigeria, where infrastructure, investment and vision mix to create lasting impact.
As construction progresses, sports lovers, investors and government stakeholders will be watching closely, eager to witness the birth of a world-class sporting destination in Nigeria.
If successful, it could inspire other states to prioritize sports infrastructure, setting the stage for Nigeria to reclaim its status as a dominant force in African sports.