The Nigeria Football Federation has played down reports that the Super Eagles could relocate their home matches to Lagos, insisting that Uyo remains the team’s preferred venue for now as preparations begin for their next 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
An NFF official, who spoke to The Guardian on condition of anonymity, said the federation was in no hurry to move the team away from the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, warning that a sudden change of venue could prove counterproductive.
Nigeria are considering hosting the first leg of their upcoming double-header in Uyo on November 11, with the return fixture tentatively scheduled for November 15 in Zanzibar.
The discussions follow the Super Eagles’ disappointing 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau in Bissau, which has increased the pressure on the team to improve their performances in the qualifying campaign.
Reports had suggested that the newly renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos was being considered as an alternative venue, subject to approval from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
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However, the NFF official said any decision to move the team would depend on the stadium’s readiness, the players’ views and an assessment of the venue by the federation’s inspectors.
“Lagos is under consideration, but Uyo remains the venue for our games,” the official told The Guardian.
“Before we take any match to Teslim Balogun Stadium, we must first of all sound out the players and know how they feel about that.”
The source added that the federation could organise friendly matches in Lagos to assess the atmosphere and other logistical considerations before committing to hosting a competitive fixture there.
The official also questioned whether the stadium would be ready in time for the November games, noting that the remaining work would need to be completed before NFF inspectors could assess the facility.
“The players have been playing in Uyo for up to a decade, and it would be unwise for us to move them to Lagos just like that,” the source said.
“Besides, Teslim Balogun Stadium is not yet ready to host any game. When Lagos State completes the work on the stadium, our inspectors will go to see it and advise the NFF on what to do.”
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The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium has become a familiar home ground for the Super Eagles, having hosted several important fixtures over the past decade.
Nigeria played their first match at the Uyo venue against South Africa on November 19, 2014, drawing 2-2 in an AFCON qualifier.
Although the national team have also hosted competitive matches in Lagos and Abuja, the NFF appears reluctant to disrupt the familiarity the players have developed with Uyo while preparations for the next qualifiers gather pace.
Beyond the venue question, the federation and head coach Eric Chelle’s technical crew have begun monitoring players in contention for the upcoming fixtures before deciding who will receive invitations.
According to the official, the timing of the players’ arrival in camp will depend on the dates approved by CAF and the applicable FIFA international window.
The NFF also intends to announce the squad after confirming the fixture dates and assessing player availability.
“We will release the names of players for the back-to-back matches five days after learning of the date and also depending on the availability of players,” the official said.
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In the meantime, Uyo remains the leading option for Nigeria’s next home fixture, while a return to Lagos will depend on the completion and inspection of Teslim Balogun Stadium, alongside consultations with the players and other relevant considerations.
