The ongoing transformation of the Warri City Stadium has received a major boost following commendations from former Nigeria international footballers Segun Odegbami and Mutiu Adepoju, who expressed satisfaction with the quality of work on the stadium’s football pitch.
The former Super Eagles stars made their observations during an inspection tour of the under-construction facility, alongside Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Doping Centre, Mainasara Ilo, and other stakeholders.
Odegbami, a former Green Eagles captain and Africa Cup of Nations winner, described the revamped pitch as extraordinary, declaring that the facility was comparable to the “Eighth Wonder of the World” while expressing his renewed desire to play football.
The former international, who praised the progress recorded at the stadium, also highlighted the importance of quality playing surfaces to the development and commercial growth of Nigerian football.
According to him, a good football pitch remains fundamental to the success of the sport, stressing that football development requires the provision of modern infrastructure capable of supporting quality competition.
Odegbami commended the Delta State Government for its commitment to upgrading the stadium and praised Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited, the contractor handling the project, for the work carried out under the leadership of its Chief Executive Officer, Mr Larry Adeleke.
Similarly, Adepoju, a member of Nigeria’s 1994 Super Eagles Africa Cup of Nations-winning squad, said the transformation of the Warri City Stadium pitch had renewed his confidence in the future of Nigerian football.
The former midfielder noted that the improved playing surface represented an important step towards restoring the standard of football facilities in the country.
Speaking on the technical aspects of the project, Adeleke disclosed that the contracting firm had addressed the perennial drainage challenges that had affected the stadium pitch over the years.
He explained that the renovated playing surface was constructed with six layers beneath the pitch, alongside four discharge points designed to facilitate water drainage.
Adeleke further disclosed that paspalum grass, which he described as the first of its kind in Nigeria, had been installed on the pitch.
According to him, the company had implemented similar technology in Lagos and was working towards the development of more stadiums equipped with modern playing surfaces across the country.
He revealed that a similar pitch was being installed in Yenagoa, while the Delta State Government had indicated plans to introduce the technology at the Asaba stadium.
The contractor said the company’s long-term projection was to support the development of as many as 10 stadiums with modern football pitches in Nigeria over the next few years.
Addressing the progress of the stadium renovation, Adeleke said most of the concerns raised by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, had been promptly addressed.
He assured the governor and the people of Delta State that the project team remained committed to delivering the facility within the stipulated timeframe.
The contractor explained that the team had continued to work on the identified areas requiring attention, with efforts focused on ensuring that the project met the required standards and expectations of the state government.
The inspection tour provided the former Super Eagles players and other stakeholders with an opportunity to assess the progress of the renovation and witness the transformation of the stadium’s playing surface.
The Warri City Stadium project, initiated under the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and executed by Peculiar Ultimate Concern Limited, is expected to provide an improved platform for professional football, grassroots development and major sporting competitions in Delta State.
The latest developments have also renewed attention to the role of modern sporting infrastructure in strengthening Nigeria’s football ecosystem and improving the quality of facilities available to players, clubs and sporting organisations.