FIFA has not approved any request from Nigeria’s Super Eagles to close the roof of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium for their World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The claim, which spread rapidly across X (formerly Twitter), originated from unverified accounts on Monday, October 13, 2025. No statements from FIFA, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), or the Super Eagles confirmed the rumour.
Checks on FIFA’s and NFF’s websites revealed no updates supporting the claim. The Super Eagles’ official account made no reference to any stadium modification.
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, inaugurated in 2014, features a fixed canopy roof covering spectator stands. It has no retractable or closable dome mechanism.
The structure protects fans from rain and sunlight but leaves the pitch open-air, making “roof closure” technically impossible.
The stadium, nicknamed the “Nest of Champions,” seats 30,000 and is one of only two CAF-approved venues in Nigeria for international fixtures.
No previous FIFA or CAF documentation references roof adjustments for Nigerian venues. The viral claim mirrors past instances where fan humour evolved into perceived fact.
The latest
NFF communications this week focused on the team’s arrival and training sessions, following a brief travel delay. No mention of infrastructure changes appeared in these updates.
Benin’s team arrived without raising concerns about the stadium. Weather forecasts predict humid evening conditions typical of Uyo.
Nigeria enters the match seeking a crucial win to boost Group C standings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team has trained behind closed doors under coach Éric Chelle.
The rumor has underlined both the fervor and misinformation common on social media around major fixtures.
FIFA’s official portal continues to list the fixture under standard conditions, confirming no special approvals were issued for the match.
The match will air live on SuperSport and national broadcasters. Fans are urged to rely on verified channels for updates.
