The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared both Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano and Umuahia Township Stadium in Abia unfit for the 2025/26 season due to infrastructure failures.
The NPFL board completed its inspection on August 25 and identified severe deficiencies at the two stadiums, which serve as home grounds for Kano Pillars, Barau FC, and Abia Warriors.
At Sani Abacha Stadium, the issues included poor pitch maintenance, substandard dressing rooms, inadequate technical benches, and non-compliant floodlights. These conditions had failed to meet NPFL club licensing criteria.
Despite these deficiencies, Barau FC received Kano State Government approval to use the stadium temporarily while Dambatta Stadium undergoes renovations. However, a reported N50 million demand from the Kano State Commission for stadium access triggered controversy.
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Meanwhile, the board also ruled out Umuahia Township Stadium unfit due to poor pitch quality, lack of standard floodlights, and inadequate dressing room facilities. The NPFL directed Abia Warriors to undertake immediate upgrades, but no progress confirmed as of August 26.
Barau FC hosts Bendel Insurance FC on September 7, raising concerns about temporary allowances for unfit venues. Abia Warriors, however, have yet to announce an alternative venue.
Fans and stakeholders voiced concern on social media over the state of NPFL infrastructure, warning that the league could undermine its credibility if attentions are not given to important measures.
