By Ihechinyere Chigemeri-Uwom
Gov. Alex Otti of Abia has approved the immediate upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium to enhance sports development and host Abia Warriors matches.
Otti made this known on Wednesday when officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) paid him a visit in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.
The governor said that the upgrade was a short-term move to address stadium challenges in the state.
He said that a long-term solution, the “Abia Stadium City” project, was underway.
According to him, the Stadium City would include sports, entertainment and residential facilities.
The governor said that the design work had already begun, and the land for the project had been acquired.
He emphasised that sports brought joy and unity to the people and the state would not relent in deploying relevant resources to facilitate sports development in the state.
Otti praised the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration to sports which contributed to the Super Falcons’ recent performance.
He said that he would host Abia natives who contributed to the national team’s success at the just concluded 2025 Women’s African Cup of Nations.
Earlier, the NFF President, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, commended the state government for its commitment to sports development.
Gusau described Abia as a key part of Nigeria’s football history and recalled that the state’s club, Enyimba Football Club, had achieved back-to-back continental titles.
He encouraged Otti to keep investing in sports infrastructure.
Gusau also promised NFF’s technical support for the Umuahia stadium upgrade.
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