Otti Promises Quick Upgrade of Umuahia Stadium, Plans Long-Term Sports City

Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to immediately upgrade the Umuahia Township Stadium, providing a temporary but impactful boost to sports infrastructure in the state.

The governor revealed this during a meeting with the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, and his delegation at his country home in Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area.

Governor Otti explained that the short-term upgrade will make the stadium suitable for Abia Warriors FC and other sporting teams, while a long-term project is underway to build a modern stadium city in Umuahia. According to him, the architectural design for the new stadium city is already in progress.

“Football and sports, in general, are a unifying force in Nigeria. That’s why I’ve approved the immediate upgrade of the Umuahia Township Stadium while we work on the long-term stadium city project,” Otti said.

He emphasized that his administration is committed to promoting sports development across Abia State, assuring that the state will continue to lead in sporting excellence.

Earlier, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised Governor Otti for his contributions to sports in Abia, calling the state the “home of football in Nigeria.” He pointed out that Abia has a rich history of sporting success, including winning African continental competitions back-to-back.

Gusau commended Abia Warriors’ performance under Otti’s leadership and urged that the Umuahia Township Stadium be fixed urgently. He also pledged the NFF’s full technical support to ensure the stadium is restored to top standard.

Governor Otti concluded by congratulating President Bola Tinubu on the recent performance of the Super Falcons, describing their efforts as a source of national pride.

With this move, Abia State is once again positioning itself as a leader in Nigerian sports development.