By Akeem Busari
Once again, football stakeholders have commended the qualities of the pitches at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and the Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne.
Sports activist and national coordinator of the group, Friends Of Nigeria Sports (FNS), Chief Diprieye Thompson, while reacting to questions by journalists on the quality of the pitches at the ongoing FIFA World Cup, was quick to note that the pitches being used for the World Cup matches, are not rocket sciences.
He pointedly remarked that Nigeria have the wherewithal to construct such world class pitches, save for the lack of focus and insincerity of purpose by the football administrators.
According to the fiery sports activist, the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos and the Remo Stars stadium, are testimonials to the capacity of Nigeria to construct and deliver world class stadiums for the development of the game in Nigeria.
“Let’s take a look at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos, Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, and the newly constructed Sardauna Memorial Stadium in Gusau, Zamfara State, they surely rank among the finest football stadiums specifically built for football in the Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking on the importance of top quality football pitches to the overall development of the beautiful game, Nigeria and Africa’s leading football pitches construction expert, Ebi Egbe, noted that what stood the pitches and the stadiums for the World Cup out, was their football first design philosophy.
According to Egbe, the Managing Director of Monimitchelle Sport Facilities Construction Company, “there are no athletics track separating spectators from the pitch and thus, creating a closer connection between fans and the game.”
“Excellent sightlines from all sections of the stadium, ensuring a quality viewing experience.
“It therefore creates intimate football atmospheres, similar to many leading European club stadiums.”
Renowned as a proponent for high quality and FIFA approved hybrid synthetic pitch systems, he noted that the pitches promote natural ball movement and consistent playing conditions. While equally insisting that maintenance remains the key factor in preserving the natural playing characteristics of any hybrid surface.
“The Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Remo Stars and the newly constructed Saudarna Memorial Stadium, Gusau, in Zamfara state, are football specific pitches.
“Many football enthusiasts would place these football specific venues ahead of larger multi purpose stadiums in Nigeria, because modern pitch quality and football focused design often have a greater impact on the overall football experience than seating capacity or architectural facades.
“The major difference is that Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Remo Stars Stadium, and the newly constructed Sardauna Memorial Stadium were designed primarily around football, whereas many of Nigeria’s larger stadiums were built as multi purpose facilities with athletics tracks.
“From both a pitch performance and spectator experience perspective, football specific stadiums provide a better environment for players and fans alike. The closer proximity to the action, combined with consistent ball behavior on well maintained playing surfaces, enhances the quality of the game and the overall fan experience.
“This is the direction many leading football nations are taking, as they prioritise elite football infrastructure, designed specifically for the modern game,” he added.
