Kaduna State targets November 2026 completion of revamped Ahmadu Bello Stadium
The reconstruction of the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna is expected to be completed by November 2026, with the Kaduna State Government targeting the return of the iconic venue as a major sporting centre.
The project, being undertaken by the administration of Governor Uba Sani, will increase the stadium’s capacity from 16,000 to 33,000 as part of a wider upgrade designed to bring the facility up to FIFA standards.
Sani inspected the ongoing reconstruction on Tuesday alongside former Super Eagles stars Daniel Amokachi, Garba Lawal and Emmanuel Babayaro, as well as other sports personalities.
The redevelopment includes a hybrid playing surface, upgraded training pitches, a modern gymnasium, media centre, athletes’ hostel and improved ticketing facilities.
The Kaduna State Government said the training pitches have been completed, while work is ongoing on the main bowl, ticketing areas, media centre and athletes’ hostel.
Once completed, the revamped stadium is expected to be capable of hosting major domestic and international sporting competitions, while providing improved facilities for athletes, teams, spectators and the media.
The government also expects the project to generate wider economic benefits for the state by attracting major sporting events and increasing activity in the hospitality, transport, tourism and retail sectors.
For Kaduna, the reconstruction represents an attempt to restore the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to its former status as one of Nigeria’s leading sporting venues.
Sani said the project was not only about rebuilding the stadium but also about restoring Kaduna’s position in Nigerian sports.
The governor also used the inspection to announce plans to honour members of Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic gold-winning football team.
According to the state government, land has now been allocated to members of the historic squad, while streets across Kaduna State will also be named after the players.
Nigeria’s 1996 Olympic team became the first African men’s football team to win Olympic gold after defeating Argentina 3-2 in the final in Atlanta.
Amokachi and Lawal, who were part of that historic squad, joined Sani during the inspection of the stadium.
The recognition of the 1996 Olympic champions adds to the sporting legacy the state government hopes to preserve through the stadium redevelopment.
Sani has reaffirmed that the reconstruction will be completed by November 2026, with the upgraded 33,000-capacity facility expected to provide Kaduna with a modern venue capable of attracting major sporting events.
The project is also expected to create opportunities for athletes, sports organisations and businesses while strengthening Kaduna’s position as one of Nigeria’s traditional sporting centres.