With less than 3 days to the commencement of the 2019 FIBA Men’s World Cup qualifiers, the Indoor Sports hall, National Stadium Surulere, Lagos is wearing a new look as renovation of one of the biggest sporting facilities in West Africa sub region continues.
The renovation which is being carried out by the Nigeria Basketball Federation is coming more than 3 decades after the stadium was commissioned in 1972 by the then Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon.
The NBBF President, Engr. Musa Kida while inspecting the project over the weekend expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far in turning around the venue just in time to host the qualifiers.
“This project which should have been done by the Federal Government is currently being done by our federation because we are partners in progress when it comes to sports development in Nigeria. We are happy with the rate the work is going and we are optimistic that the venue will be ready before Friday.
“The lights have been fixed, the dressing rooms are ready, toilets, bathrooms for players and fans are now in top shape while filling of cracked walls have been done as the contactors are now focused on painting the exterior of the facility,” Kida said.
He thanked Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, Eko Hotel and Suites, United Bank of Africa, Nigeria LNG Limited and AFA Sports for their support in ensuring that the federation fulfills its obligations in getting the facility ready on time.
He promised that the federation will continue to provide quality leadership and transparent leadership for all stakeholders.
“In a short space of time that we assumed office we have been able to attract credible institutions who are ready to partner with us in our vision of taking basketball to a new height. This is a new frontier we are exploring bringing international basketball closer to our fans in Nigeria and we are grateful to all our sponsors who are part of this historical moment.”
Nigeria will compete alongside Mali, Rwanda and Uganda in the 2nd window of the 2019 FIBA World Cup qualifierps taking place in Lagos between June 29- July 1.
