Today we will be discussing some top stadiums in the North Central part of Nigeria, Most people don’t know that this region is the epitome of sport and has great facilities for both local and international sporting games.
States in North Central Nigeria include Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi, Platueax, Kwara, Niger, and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, these states are blessed with both natural and human resources, and they have great sporting facilities and stadiums capable of hosting national and international events.
More so, if you want to host any sports competitions in the North Central part of Nigeria, you can use these stadiums to facilitate your aim. Though these stadiums may not be the best when compared with other stadiums in the entire Nigeria but sway in terms of capacity to accommodate large numbers of people.
When we talk about stadiums in Central Nigeria, we are talking of stadiums used to organize sports and games like football, hockey, baseball, basketball, tennis, long tennis, gymnastics, sport and track events, field and indoor activities, and others.
About Stadiums in North Central Nigeria
Some stadiums in Central Nigeria were built with state funds, others were built with funding coming from donations, Companies’ corporate social responsibility, sponsors from rich and influential individuals, and agricultural proceeds.
Some stadiums in Jos, Makurdi, and Abuja were built by single individuals for local events, while bigger ones were built by the state and Federal Governments, some companies and corporate organizations have also built stadiums for their host communities.
One thing we must understand is that these stadiums are not enough, more money is needed to build state-of-the-art facilities that can compete with their international counterpart in Germany, the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, Europe, Japan, China, and other parts of the world.
Without wasting more time, let’s talk about the best 10 stadiums in the north central Nigeria States of Benue, Abuja, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kwara, Niger, and Kogi.
Abuja International Stadium (FCT Abuja) 60,000 capacity
This stadium is located in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city, it has a beautiful structural design and edifice, built to meet the growing demand of both local and international sports competitions.
This is one of the biggest stadiums in Nigeria, it can accommodate over 60,000 people at a go, the Abuja International Stadium has many uses including track and field activities like football, basketball, long tennis, swimming pool.
The main bow is used for sports such as football and athletics activities, has a court for basketball games, and a swimming pool for swimming. Built with class and state-of-the-art facilities, it can compete with stadiums in South Africa, Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, and other top stadiums in Africa. It has hosted the All Africa Games competition, Africa Cup of Nation, and many national and Intentional sporting Competitions.
Aper Aku Stadium (Makurdi, Benue State) 8,000 capacity
The Aper Aku stadium is located in Makurdi, Benue State capital, it has a capacity of 8,000 people at a go and can accommodate 10,000 when it is fully completed. It has hosted many sporting competitions including the National University Games, Nigeria National League, and many state’s organized competitions.
The stadium was built by the Second Republic governor Aper Aku in 1900, it is mainly used for football matches and is a home for the love star of Makurdi.
In terms of capacity, the Aper Aku stadium prides itself in offering comfort when seated for any sports event to can confidently accommodate 8,000 people at once.
Rwang Pam Stadium in Jos Plateau State 15,000 Capacity
This is one of the best and biggest stadiums in the North Central part of Nigeria, it was named in honor of the late traditional leader of Jos, known as the Gwong Gom Jos.
The stadium has many basements for sporting events including track and field events, and has a large space area of outdoor activities. It also has a large car park area, where people can park their cars while watching any competition.
It is a home for Plateau United, and the Mighty Jet, it has hosted many national events including the Nigeria National League games, the Nigeria University Game, and many states organized competition.
With its 15,000 capacity, this stadium when fully renovated, can compete with the Godswill Apkabio Stadium in Akwa Ibom, one of the finest and biggest stadiums in Africa.
Minna Township Staduim AKA (Bako kontogora Stadium) 5000 capacity
The Minna Township Stadium aka Bako Kontogora Stadium has a 5000 capacity, when fully renovated, the stadium can accommodate over 30,000 people at a go. this stadium is a home for the lovely Niger tornadoes.
The stadium has hosted sporting events such as the Nigeria National Football League competition, the All-University Games, and many other local and state-organized competitions.
The Minna Township Stadium is still in its developmental phase, the stadium is yet to be completed, if completed, it can accommodate 30,000 people at a time. It has large space for parking cars and vehicles, large food bouquets and offices, and it has a mosque for prayers.
Kwara State Stadium (18,000)
The is one of the biggest stadiums with state-of-the-art infrastructure and beautiful scenery, the stadium is a home for both Kwara United F.C. and ABS FC, with a capacity of 18,000, the Kwara state stadium has hosted many national and state-organized competitions including All university games, the national Art and Sports Festival, State school inter-house sport competitions.
The stadium is located on Stadium Road, off Ibrahim Taiwo Road. it has many administrative offices, a large space area for car parking, restaurants, a bar, and a lounge.
More so, the stadium is undergoing massive renovation, and it is expected to expand to accommodate large numbers of people. The stadium is used for both track and field events, indoor and outdoor activities and events, and many more.
Lokoja Confluence Stadium, Kogi (25,000)
This is another large stadium in the north-central region of Nigeria, it is located in Zone 8 Link Road, Off Kabba Road, Lokoja in Kogi State of Nigeria.
The Confluence Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium with a capacity of 25,000 and can accommodate 40,000 upon renovation. It is the home home for Kogi United and Confluence Queens in the Nigeria National League and Nigeria Women’s Premier League respectively.
It has hosted many games including the university games, the national Art and Sports Festival, State school inter-house sports competitions, and many organized.
Jos International Stadium, Plateau State (60,000)
The Jos International Stadium is a masterpiece and art of creation, it is a multi-use stadium, in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. With a capacity of 60,000 spectators, the stadium is a of Plateau United.
It has many offices and buildings within it and has hosted many games including the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women’s Premier League, and many state-organised competitions.
Conclusion
There are many top stadiums in north-central Nigeria, it is hosting bigger competitions like the Nigeria National League, Nigeria Women Premier League, all Nigeria University Games, National Art, and Sports Festival, and many states organized a contest. You can take a tour to visit these marvelous stadiums and have a taste of quality with the sorting world in the middle belt of Nigeria.
