The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the National Institute for Sports (NIS), His Excellency Comrade Philip Shaibu, on Tuesday joined a high-powered delegation comprising the Delta State Governor, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, a CAF and FIFA official alongside top Delta State Government officials, on an inspection tour of the ongoing Warri Township Stadium project.
The stadium, which is being upgraded into a modern sporting complex with a seating capacity of 17,000, is nearing completion and is expected to feature state-of-the-art facilities, including what project handlers described as the latest hybrid grass system and one of the most advanced athletics tracks in West Africa.
The facility, according to a statement by Ben Ogbemudia, S. A. Media, Office of the DG/CEO , NIS, also included an entertainment zone designed to enhance fan experience and diversify usage beyond football events.
During the inspection, the delegation moved through key sections of the stadium, assessing progress on the pitch, stands, track, and auxiliary facilities. Officials expressed satisfaction with the pace and quality of work, noting that the project reflects Delta State’s long-standing reputation as a hub for sports development in Nigeria.
Speaking during the tour, Shaibu emphasized the importance of sustainability and maintenance culture in sports infrastructure development. He noted that while the construction of world-class facilities is commendable, equal attention must be given to long-term maintenance to preserve their value.
According to him, “It is not just about building beautiful stadiums; it is about ensuring long-term maintenance reliability. Facilities like this must not fall into disrepair after commissioning.”
Shaibu further urged the Delta State Government to establish a structured collaboration with the contractors, suggesting that maintenance responsibilities should be clearly defined and agreed upon before final handover. He stressed that such an arrangement would guarantee durability and sustained international-standard usage of the facility.
He also expressed optimism that once completed and officially handed over in October 2026, the Warri Township Stadium would be capable of hosting major international fixtures, including matches involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
The inspection visit was widely described as a significant milestone in the final phase of the stadium’s reconstruction, reinforcing Delta State’s ambition to maintain its status as a leading destination for sports infrastructure and elite competitions in Africa.