Teslim Balogun, Agege stadium set for full completion by mid-2026, says Lagos sports commission

The Lagos State Government has reiterated its commitment to delivering world-class sporting infrastructure, responding to mounting calls for the completion of renovation works at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Agege Stadium, and eight new mini-stadiums across the state, Sport360NG reports.

Journalists, coaches, players, and administrators have expressed growing concern over the prolonged construction and underutilisation of existing facilities. The overuse of Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the only fully operational venue serving the state’s 242 registered football clubs, has intensified these calls.

Two weeks ago, officials of Nigeria Premier Football League side Ikorodu City reportedly clashed with visiting Plateau United over stadium access following a second-division game between Sporting Lagos and Osun United. Observers say such conflicts highlight the urgent need for multiple functional venues.

“It’s a big disgrace that the Lagos State Government and the FA have left Agege Stadium unfinished for nearly five years. If there was no plan to complete it, they should have left it as it was so players could continue using it,” photojournalist Victor Modo said via X.

Sports enthusiasts and club officials echoed the sentiment, stressing the strain on Mobolaji Johnson Arena. “We need more functional and well-maintained stadiums in Lagos to ease the pressure on Mobolaji Johnson Arena. The stadium is currently serving too many teams and purposes,” said Lawal Sheriff, a local football enthusiast.

Coaches also lamented the slow progress of mini-stadiums across Lagos. “The stadium in my area has been completed except for the dressing rooms, and it has been abandoned for two years. We have to travel long distances just to play matches,” one coach, who requested anonymity, said.

In response, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, assured that all facilities would be delivered soon. “Work is moving speedily at Teslim Balogun. The tartan tracks for athletics are nearly complete, and work on the pitch has commenced. The contractor has indicated that by the second quarter of next year, Teslim Balogun and Agege Stadium will be fully operational with all amenities,” he said.

Fatodu added that the eight mini-stadiums, spread across Ikeja, Badagry, Ikorodu, Lagos Island, and Epe, would be completed before the major stadiums. “The Igbogbo, Ifako-Ijaiye, and Gbadada mini-stadiums are already 95% complete. We will focus on finishing the remaining eight,” he stated.

Teslim Balogun Stadium, with a 24,000 capacity, was reopened in 2007 and served as one of the venues for the 2009 U-17 FIFA World Cup. Agege Stadium, which holds 4,000 spectators and was formerly home to the defunct MFM FC, has been closed for rehabilitation for nearly four years.