NFF eulogises Idowu Foundation as South West kids open new Maracana Stadium

Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) office

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has called on individuals and private sector operators to emulate the Nathaniel Idowu Foundation, which has remodelled the famous Maracana Stadium, Ajegunle, Lagos.

On Saturday, over 4,000 U-13 footballers from across the South West region thronged the new-look Maracana to feature in a one-day football championship used to open the refurbished arena to the public.

Speaking on the facility, which hosts a number of mini football pitches, as well as the main bowl, NFF First Vice President, Seyi Akinwunmi, commended the foundation, led by Yemi Idowu, for the gesture, while praying that the completion of the facilities would help to unearth more talents for Lagos.

“Indeed, it is a fantastic initiative. The sheer number of children playing football on various pitches, simultaneously, was a delight to witness.

“This project epitomises the concept of ‘The Business of Football’ and how crucial infrastructure is in football development. This is evidence of the importance of the private sector in grassroots football development. There are a few more of this coming up in Lagos soon,” he said.

He, also, commended the chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Council, Fatai Adekunle Ayoola, for his efforts in facilitating the public-private sector initiative in the council.

Maracana Stadium, located at Tolu Complex in Ajegunle, Lagos, received a massive facelift by the foundation with 10 five-a-side and eight seven-a-side pitches, as well as a standard football pitch, which was put to test by U-13 players from the South West teams.

Explaining his Foundation’s decision to rebuild the stadium, Idowu said the gesture is in line with its ideals of supporting education, health,