The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the installation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology and an anti-doping laboratory at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abuja, as part of a broader effort to modernise the country’s sports infrastructure.
The development was disclosed on Wednesday by the National Sports Commission (NSC) in a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. According to the commission, the initiative forms part of a nationwide sports infrastructure revamp aimed at restoring key facilities to international standards and repositioning Nigeria’s sports sector for global competitiveness.
Beyond the introduction of VAR, a technology widely used in top-tier football leagues to assist referees in decision-making, the project will also see the establishment of a fully equipped anti-doping laboratory within the stadium complex. Officials say the move is expected to strengthen compliance with international sporting regulations and enhance Nigeria’s credibility in global competitions.
The planned upgrades extend across multiple areas of the stadium. These include the rehabilitation of running tracks, installation of modern floodlights, and improvements to media and athlete facilities. Training pitches are also set to be developed, alongside the construction of a High Performance Centre designed to support elite athlete development.
In addition, the existing 200-room athletes’ hostel will be redeveloped into a standard hotel, a move authorities say will improve accommodation for both local and international sporting events. Medical facilities within the stadium are also due for significant upgrades, including the provision of new equipment to meet international health and safety standards.
A senior NSC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, described the project as “a long-overdue intervention that signals a serious commitment to rebuilding Nigeria’s sports ecosystem.” The official added that modern infrastructure would not only improve athlete performance but also attract international tournaments and investment.
Nigeria has faced criticism in recent years over the state of its sports facilities, with several venues falling short of global benchmarks. Analysts say the latest initiative could mark a turning point if implemented effectively and maintained over time.
While timelines for completion were not immediately disclosed, stakeholders across the sports sector have welcomed the announcement, expressing cautious optimism that the upgrades will be delivered as promised.
If successfully executed, the project could position Abuja as a key hub for sports in Africa, while reinforcing Nigeria’s ambitions on the international stage.