The four most embarrassing pitch in the Nigeria professional football league

In the past the Nigeria professional league was known for its poor playing turf or pitch. But over the years the League Management company has really come hard on venues which led to a total upgrade. This action by the LMC yielded great results as NPFL venues and matches are now TV friendly.

But like the proverbial saying in every twelve their is always a Judas, some match venue still fall far off the proposed standard set by the League Management Company.

Today we bring to you "the four most embarrassing pitch in the Nigeria professional football league"



(1) The Umuahia Township stadium

Top on the list is the Umuahia township stadium which is the home venue of Abia Warriors of Umuahia. The condition of the pitch is so bad that it often stop the free flow of NPFL matches played on the turf. It was formerly the home venue of Enyimba of Aba as a result of the renovation work going on at the Enyimba International stadium. 

The Umuahia township stadium when it rains

The situation is worst when it rains as the pitch becomes waterlogged. This affect the ball as most times the ball becomes trapped and finds it difficult to bounce on the turf. The players are left to bear the grunt as it hinders them from performing well and displaying their skills.

It is as a result of the bad condition of this stadium or pitch (if we want to be specific) that propagated the recent move of Enyimba of Aba from the Umuahia township stadium to the Yakubu Gowon stadium in Port Harcourt for their home matches,due to the upgrading work going on at the Enyimba International stadium Aba.

A cross-section of football fans in Umuahia, have constantly expressed concern about the poor condition of the pitch at the Umuahia Township Stadium, with some calling for immediate steps to be taking. But unfortunately their "save our soul message" constantly fall on deaf ears.

(2) Enyimba International Stadium

After pleas and cries from fans and sports loving people of Nigeria, this stadium is currently going through renovation. It was officially closed in December to enable renovation work start fully. Before the close down of the 25,000 capacity stadium. the pitch was in a deplorable condition. the sorry state of the pitch and the outer part of the Enyimba International Stadium was really bad.

The Enyimba International Stadium under construction

The former pitch of the Enyimba International stadium

Even the toilet facilities at the Enyimba International stadium is an eyesore 

The Enyimba International Stadium under construction as seen the bad playing turf has been removed.

The people of Enyimba really miss their home venue in Aba. Although their newly adopted home Port Harcourt has brought them more than average success, the fans still crave to watch the peoples elephant play in Aba.

A fan of Enyimba expressing his mind

 (3)  Lafia Township Stadium


This 5000 thousand capacity sports complex which is the home venue of Nasarawa United FC nicknamed the Solid Miners is one of the stadium in the Nigeria Professional Premier League with a bad playing pitch. 

Nasarawa United FC players pose in their stadium. The poor pitch can be seen

It was due to the bad condition of the pitch that led to Nasarawa FC preliminary round of their CAF Confederation Cup match which they lost earlier this year to Senegalese side Generation Foot FC was played at the Abuja National Stadium. 

Also due to the poor pitch Nasarawa United now play their home matches at th Aper Aku stadium in Markudi which is the home venue of Lobi Stars FC.

Perhaps it was after the elimination of Nasarawa United from the CAF Confederation Cup competition, that the state government  realized the importance of  "home support"  and fans as the twelfth man in a football game. It quickly sprung into action and awarded the rennovation of the Lafia township stadium

In march 2016 when I spoke to the contractor, he promised that the stadium will be ready in two weeks. But is July and the reverse is the case.




 (2) Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna


Last on the list is the home ground of Niger Tornadoes of Minna known as the Bako Kontagora Stadium located in Minna, Nigeria. This 5000 capacity stadium has one of the worst playing turf in Nigeria.

The playing turf of  the Bako Kontagora Stadium Minna, Nigeria

Even the home team Niger Tornadoes don't play their home matches here, rather they choose the Confluence Stadium, Lokoja as their home fortress. Niger Tornadoes coach Abdullahi Biffo recently told reporters that the club’s inability to play its home matches in Minna is affecting the team.

Also due to the eyesore nature of the pitch the state government has started renovation work on the stadium.