The Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) is gradually edging towards the level of Europe’s elite leagues with the standard and quality of play as well as officiating.
An impressive 408 goals has been scored in just 188 games played thus far – averaging 2.17 goals per game.
Adding to this is an unbelievable 25% surge in victories on the road – a remarkable turnover when compared to just 5% recorded in the 2014/15 season.
But one aspect of this upgrade has simply gone unnoticed – this is the standard of stadiums on display in the league.
The League Management Company (LMC) took drastic measures last term to ban clubs with below-par home grounds and the reward is visible for all to see this season.
Though not yet in the class of the San Siro and Old Trafford, league centres in Nigeria are beginning to create that atmosphere which is only seen in Europe.
Here, we guide you round five of the most beautiful soccer edifices in the NPFL taking into consideration the capacity, quality and newness.
- Akwa Ibom International Stadium
Location: Uyo, Akwa Ibom State
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 30,000
Opened: 2014
Team: Akwa United
- Confluence Stadium
Location: Lokoja, Kogi State
Surface: Artificial
Capacity: 30,000
Opened: 2013
Team: Kogi United/Niger Tornadoes
- Sani Abacha Stadium
Location: Kano, Kano State
Surface: Grass
Capacity: 25,000
Opened: 1998, renovated 2009
Team: Kano Pillars
- Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium
Location: Enugu, Enugu State
Surface: Artificial
Capacity: 25,000
Opened: 1986, renovated 2009
Team: Rangers International
- Aper Aku Stadium
Location: Makurdi, Benue State
Surface: Artificial
Capacity: 20, 000
Opened/Renovated: 2015
Team: Lobi Stars
