The bustling Mobolaji Johnson Arena (MJA) in Lagos is set to host the grand finale of the President Federation Cup for the second consecutive year on Saturday, June 28th. While excitement grows for this prestigious event, it has also reignited a passionate debate about the state of sports facilities in Lagos.
Earlier this year, Lagos hosted an international friendly between the Super Falcons and Algeria’s women’s national team. There are also plans to host another international club friendly in July. Yet, ironically, many of the state’s sports facilities—like Agege Stadium, Ikorodu Stadium, Ifako Ijaiye, and Surulere—are in a state of disrepair or under renovation, forcing many competitions to relocate to Ogun State.
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Danny Nazzal (NWFL Board Member, Football Administrator and Club Owner):
“They should definitely fix the facilities, my brother. What’s the point of spending millions hosting matches when the money could empower youth through sports? It’s a misplaced priority. Those calling on the governor to host these games should call him to complete the facilities.”
Fatai Akande (Ex-player, Coach, and an Instructor):
“Fix Agege and other facilities—even the Onikan Stadium is in bad shape.”
Taiwo Akinsanmi (Web Developer and a Football Referee)
“Fix the facilities first; the hosting can come later.”
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Dosu Joseph (Ex-International and Club Owner):
“Lagos doesn’t have a decent playing ground. Even the MJA is wearing out—the turf is gone. Other stadia need total attention. Let the authorities focus on rebuilding these venues so youths have more opportunities in sports. Let’s stop the hosting for now.”
Sonibare Lukman (Ikorodu Divisional FA Chairman):
“I prefer fixing all the facilities in Agege, Ikorodu, Surulere, and elsewhere.”
Alaba Olaniyi (Football Referee and Administrator):
“Lagos State Government should fix Agege, Ikorodu, TBS, Ifako Ijaiye stadia. Hosting the finals on an uncompleted MJA is a misplaced priority.”
Ayo Filani (Ex-player and Football Coach):
“Our football pitches are in a sorry state. The few available are expensive and controlled by certain teams. Only Legacy and Maracana pitches are accessible if you’re financially buoyant, but neither can host an NNL match. The MJA is the only standard stadium left. This situation is hurting grassroot football. Renovating these facilities will help the sport grow, rather than just hosting more events.”
Bello Jubril (Football Coach):
“I prefer the government to fix the facilities for us.”
Beecroft Ayodeji (Football Manager):
“Lagos should fix all the facilities. We don’t have enough fields, and the ones we use are getting worse daily.”
Gafar Mohammed (Ex-player and Football Coach):
“Lagos is the hub of soccer in Nigeria. I’d love tournaments to be played here, especially knockout stages, but they should also be shared in other centres like Agege, Teslim Balogun, and any other standard stadium in Lagos.”
Mrs. Fasilat Olopade (Agege Resident and Trader):
“Let the government fix Agege Stadium. All the boys playing football around don’t have good field to play anymore. When MFM played here, business was good for us sellers. When they came to remove the pitch for repair, we were very happy, but almost five years later, we’re still waiting. If MFM had played here, they wouldn’t have gone on relegation. If we sing “Your name is Yahweh” for them here, nobody can beat them. But MFM is no more; I feel so bad right now that I could cry. Tell Sanwoolu our Governor to repair this stadium we are pleading.”
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Musibau Mubarak (Football Fan):
“I like that Lagos is hosting finals, but it’s a shame we only have one decent facility. You saw how Team Lagos didn’t perform well at the just-concluded Sports Festival; it’s because they had nowhere to train! Let them host finals, but let’s also have proper facilities.”
Bashiru Jimoh (Football Referee and Epe Divisional FA Board Member)
There should be more facilities
Wale Joseph (Former LSFA Board Member and State League CEO):
“There’s nothing wrong with hosting tournaments—it boosts the state’s economy. But if we don’t fix the facilities, they’ll wear out completely, and we’ll have nothing left.”
Dr. Kolade Ibrahim (Football Administrator and Match Commissioner):
“I suggest we pause tournaments in Lagos for now. Having quality facilities will ultimately help our football grow, rather than spending so much on hosting events.”
Ibrahim Opeola (Football Referee):
“The State should fix the existing decaying facilities.”
Conclusion: A Crossroads for Lagos Sports
As Lagos prepares to showcase the President Federation Cup final, the city stands at a crossroads: continue to host high-profile events or invest in the long-overdue renovation of key sports facilities. Stakeholders agree—fixing these venues is not just a matter of pride but of ensuring that grassroots football can thrive and the state’s athletes can compete at the highest level.
The choice is clear: investment in facilities will shape the future of sports in Lagos.
