With pressure mounting on the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Onikan due to the closure of several major stadiums, the Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completing long-overdue renovations at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Agege Stadium, and other mini-sports facilities across the state.
Originally launched in 2022, the massive facelift initiative has seen upgrades underway at Teslim Balogun in Surulere, Agege, and additional locations in Ikorodu, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Gbagada. However, none of the venues have reopened for use, prompting concerns over delayed timelines.
Speaking at a press briefing ahead of the MTN Champs Continental Relays debut in Lagos, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, assured that the state’s sports infrastructure is on the verge of a major turnaround.
“Mr. Governor is very deliberate in ensuring total transformation in all sports,” Fatodu said. “Within the next few months, our athletes will be running at Teslim Balogun Stadium. Serious renovation is ongoing, starting with the eight-lane track.”
He revealed that the same contractor overseeing Teslim Balogun is also handling work at Agege Stadium, with both projects expected to hit key milestones in the coming months.
Fatodu highlighted broader efforts to bolster grassroots development, including the reopening of the Olympic-size swimming pool at Rowe Park, now being used to groom aspiring Olympians.
Additionally, eight new mini-stadiums are currently under construction across Lagos, with three nearing completion in Ifako Ijaiye, Igbogbo, and Araromi.
> “We want Lagos to witness a true spectacle of sports infrastructure growth. Mr. Governor has approved the development of eight mini-stadiums, and we are making steady progress,” Fatodu noted.
Opened in 2007, the 24,000-capacity Teslim Balogun Stadium once hosted high-profile matches including Nigeria’s semi-final victory over Spain during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup. It was even touted as a potential home ground for the Super Eagles—until the team’s last appearance there in a 3-0 win over Lesotho in 2021.
Meanwhile, the 4,000-capacity Agege Stadium, once the home of MFM FC and a hub for Nigeria Professional Football League matches, has been closed for renovations for nearly four years.
As expectations rise, Lagosians will be watching closely to see if the state delivers on its promise to usher in a new era of elite and community-level sports facilities.
