…state govt to fulfil 30-year promise to 1996 Olympics team
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State was on Tuesday joined by Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic football legends, Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal, and Emmanuel Babayaro, on an inspection tour of the ongoing reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium (ABS) in Kaduna.
The governor disclosed this in a statement made available to the media.
According to Sani, the stadium is being rebuilt as a modern, FIFA-standard sporting complex anchored by a 33,000-capacity main bowl, more than twice its original 16,000 capacity.
He said the project would also feature a hybrid turf, the first of its kind in Nigeria, alongside other world-class facilities.
“The training pitches are complete, while work continues on the main bowl, ticketing points, media centre and athletes’ hostel,” he stated.
The governor explained that the objective goes beyond infrastructure.
“We are restoring Kaduna’s historic place at the heart of Nigerian sports; attracting major competitions; expanding opportunities for our young people; increasing internally generated revenue; and stimulating wider economic activity,” he said.
Sani also announced that his administration is fulfilling a 30-year-old promise to the Atlanta 1996 Super Eagles team.
“Lands have been allocated to the legends, while streets across Kaduna State will bear their names,” he said, adding that the heroes “deserve not merely our applause, but enduring recognition.”
He reaffirmed that the reconstruction of ABS would be completed by November 2026, ready to host major local and international competitions.
“Kaduna is not merely rebuilding a stadium. We are rebuilding a legacy and reclaiming our rightful place in Nigerian sports,” the governor added.
