The Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, has promised that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna will be ready in time for the FIFA Women’s U20 World Cup in July 2020.
He made this statement during his visit to the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
The minister, who made this promise while on a tour of the facilities at the 55-year-old stadium on Tuesday, commended its state of repairs. He, however, noted that more needed to be done to further improve on its existing state.
Defying a heavy downpour, the minister inspected the main bowl football pitch, the two training pitches, the lawn tennis courts, the 48-room hostel, gymnasium, changing rooms, and other facilities in the complex.
Mr Dare told journalists that the management of the stadium performed impressively in maintaining the aging facility, despite funding challenges.
“There’s room for improvement but I must commend the people tasked with keeping this complex in shape. They have kept the place in fairly good condition. We shall improve on this and get this place in top condition towards the 2020 Under-20 Female World Cup billed for next year,” he said.
The minister, who kicked off his tour with a visit to the governor, Mr El-Rufai, commended the state government for its commitment to grassroots sports and uplifting the youth through friendly competitions.
