Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has declared the state’s readiness to host a Super Eagles match at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan.
Speaking at the 81st Annual General Assembly of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), held in Ibadan on Saturday, Makinde assured stakeholders of his administration’s commitment to providing the necessary infrastructure and support.
“We are ready in Oyo State to host the Super Eagles,” he said. “Let’s assess the Lekan Salami Stadium and determine what upgrades are needed. I give you my word—we will invest the necessary resources.”
Makinde commended the NFF for revitalizing football at the grassroots and domestic levels, and proposed the adoption of a single-term tenure for sports administrators to boost accountability and performance.
In response, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau praised Makinde’s consistent support for sports and pledged that a Super Eagles match would be held in Oyo before the end of the current administration in 2027.
“We appreciate your commitment to sports development,” Gusau said. “A Nigerian national team match will definitely be played here before 2027.”
Former NFF President Amaju Pinnick also delivered a goodwill message, calling for unity and support for the federation’s leadership.
The event drew notable figures from the football community, including FIFA observers Hamed Haraz and Lyrique Dupiesis, FIFA representative Nadim Magdy, WAFU Executive Director Philippe Tchere, and several Nigerian football stakeholders.
Makinde’s pledge follows Oyo’s successful hosting of a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier between the Falconets and Rwanda, where the state invested ₦110 million in logistics, accommodation, feeding, and security.
The Falconets won the match 4–0 at the Lekan Salami Stadium, advancing with a 5–0 aggregate scoreline to the third qualifying round.
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