Some sports enthusiasts in Bwari Area Council of the FCT, have called for improved amenities at the Bwari Township Stadium, while expressing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the facility.
The sports enthusiasts, spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Bwari, Abuja.
They, while describing the situation as an untapped potential in grassroots sports infrastructure, called for urgent government intervention to restore the facility and support youth development in the area.
NAN reports that the mini-stadium, actively hosts local league games, including matches for the Nigeria Youth League Cup and the Bwari FA Cup in 2025.
NAN also recalled that the facility was renovated to its present standard in 2023, by the FCT Football Association (FA), as one of its Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Project.
The renovation included the installation of bucket seats in the stands with a seating capacity of over 3,000 fans and an erected perimeter fence to meet official match standards.
However, a recent visit by a NAN correspondent to the facility revealed that the playing pitch was a little uneven and showed visible patches of worn-out grass.
NAN also observed that an inadequate drainage structure for rain water flow could possibly make it difficult for smooth activities on the field during the rainy season.
Mr Manasseh Dani, a grassroots football coach, described the stadium as a once vibrant hub for grassroots sports and community activities.
He, however, said that poor maintenance culture was limiting its potential to serve the growing population of young people in the area.
” This place used to be a centre for football development in Bwari and the entire FCT, especially after it was renovated almost three years ago and youths came from all over for competitions.
” Players do come, but not as many as two years ago, and that’s because they probably found a more conducive facility elsewhere.
“Our pitch needs improvement, and so do the other available amenities for players to train comfortably,” he said.
Dani further explained that under-investment was a key challenge for the growth of the facility and sports in the area.
According to him, a township stadium in a growing population like Bwari, was expected to be upgraded into a more structured sports complex.
He said that the facility, however, falls short of that potential due to lack of funding, poor management and limited government attention.
The coach, who expressed optimism that potential star footballers may evolve from the area irrespective of their learning environment, urged sponsors to look in the direction of the community.
Similarly, Miss Grace Yamusa, a football fan, said that the stadium still attracts youths and football lovers but lacks the infrastructure to support their activities.
” Alot of young people come here to play football, but the environment is not all that conducive.
” The spectator stands are also in need of repairs, and I observed that the basic amenities like toilets, changing rooms, and water supply are either inadequate or not functioning properly.
” Although the environment is usually tidy, the cleaners are really doing their jobs, but the main amenities need to be worked on.”
Mr Amos Auta, a sportsman, also raised concerns over inadequate security and poor lighting at the facility and its environs.
He said that the challenge had limited the use of the facility to only daytime activities, while noting that evening games exposed users to safety risks due to inadequate lighting around the structure.
Auta called on relevant authorities to prioritize the rehabilitation of the stadium, stressing that improved sports facilities could help engage youths positively and reduce social vices.
He added that, with proper investment and management, the stadium could be transformed into a modern sports complex capable of nurturing future talents.
He urged private organizations and community leaders to collaborate in reviving the facility for the benefit of residents and the development of grassroots sports in the area.
Responding, an official at the Information and Social Development Department of the Bwari Area Council, who preferred anonymity, acknowledged the challenges.
According to him, efforts were being made to address infrastructure gaps in public facilities across the council.
He, however, noted that funding constraints have slowed down the pace of renovation and maintenance works at the facility. (NAN)
