Home advantage is a critical aspect in football, and it is why most stadiums are considered impenetrable fortresses. In stands, football fans are referred to as the ‘12th man,’ giving players the necessary motivation and drive to push themselves that extra mile.
As such. Clubs do everything to enhance the stadium atmospheres, aesthetics and support infrastructure. Furthermore, in the present age of football, more seats mean extra revenue for teams.
It is on these grounds that clubs are committed to ensuring that the modern-day football fan’s needs are fully met. In the article, we present a rundown of the top 10 best stadiums in Nigeria.
Best Stadiums in Nigeria
Jay Jay Okocha Stadium
Located in Ogwashi-Uku, Anioma, the Jay Jay Okocha Stadium takes its name after one of the most talented footballers to ever grace the Nigerian footballing arena.
Presently, the stadium is the home to Delta Force FC. The 8,000-capacity stadium was the host of the WAFU U-20 Championship that saw Ghana crowed.
Sani Abacha Stadium
The Sani Abacha stadium is situated in the northern part of Nigeria and is the home venue for Kano Pillars on tenancy terms.
Having been founded in 1990, the stadium takes its name after former Nigerian President Sani Abacha. It enjoys a capacity of 16,000 and it has been one of the factors that helped Kano Pillar win the Nigerian league in 2008.
The club has managed to attract an average of 10,000 fans in attendance, which remains the highest in the league.
Enyimba Global Stadium
The 16,000-seater multiuse stadium is located in Aba, Nigeria, and mostly hosts football matches. It is the home pitch for Enyimba International F.C.
The stadium was temporarily banned from hosting games following an attack on a match referee in 2008 in a heated tie between the home team and Heartland F.C.
While playing on the stadium, Enyimba has been crowned on multiple occasions in various competitions, including the top-flight league, the Nigerian cup championship, and the historic 2003 CAF Championship.
In 2004, the team successfully challenged the African Championship where they emerged victors.
Obafemi Awolowo Stadium
The Obafemi Awolowo ranks among the largest stadium in the country, having a capacity of 25,000. Initially, the stadium was named Liberty Stadium due to its proximity to Liberty Road.
It serves the Nigerian Western Region, and prides itself on the state-of-the-art pitch, sports halls, tennis and basketball courts, and swimming pool, among others.
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
The Godswill stadium, originally Akwa Ibom, is a thirty-thousand-seater stadium and is the home to the Super Eagles. It is also the cultural, religious, and social center for the nation.
The stadium was completed in 2014 and serves as a multipurpose complex and can easily be confused with Allianz Arena thanks to its semblance. It takes its name from Godswill Akpabio, a former governor.
Yakubu Gowon Stadium
Yakubu Gowon stadium was initially named Liberation Stadium. The gorgeous arena is situated in Port Harcourt in the suburbs of Elekahia.
Commonly, the 30,000-seater is used to host football matches and Rivers United considers its home taking after Dolphins F.C. It was renamed in 2015 in honor of General Yakubu Gowon, a former military head of state.
Muhammadu Dikko Stadium
This outstanding arena is a property of the Katsina State Government, and it is among the largest in the country.
Muhammadu Dikko construction began in the nineties during the term of John Madaki, a military governor, a project that dragged until its completion under Ibrahim Shehu Shema’s term in 2013. Initially, it was Karkanda but was later renamed after Emir Muhammadu Dikko.
Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium
The stadium ranks as the third-largest in the country and can host 38,000 fans. Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium is located in Port Harcourt and serves multi-purpose functions.
It opened its gates in 2015 in the match between the Super Eagles and Congo in the Rio Olympics qualifiers, and remains in the minds of many because in the first match it hosted, Nigeria won the duel against Congo.
In 2020, the arena was home to a three-day convention dubbed Higher Life Conference with the host being Pastor Chris Oyakhilome. It was the first time the stadium was filled to the brim.
Moshood Abiola National Stadium
Moshood Abiola is the country’s biggest stadium with a capacity of 60,491. It is the home to the Super Eagles and a cultural and religious center.
The construction of the stadium began in 2000 with the approval of the Federal Government. It was earmarked to host the All Africa Games of 2003.
President Buhari changed its name from the National Stadium, Abuja to the current one during the Democracy Day celebrations.
Lagos National Stadium
The most intriguing and best stadium in Nigeria is none other than Lagos National stadium. It prides itself on an Olympic-size swimming arena, basketball, table tennis, and volleyball courts.
It is commonly used for football and hosted the African Cup of Nations finals of 1980 and 2000. In 1973, the stadium hosted All-Africa Games.
Currently, the stadium has a capacity of 45,000. However, renovations saw its capacity reduced from 55,000.
Its record attendance stands at 85,000 in the game between Algeria and Nigeria in the 1980 African Cup Finals.