The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has directed Niger Tornadoes to select an alternative venue for their home matches due to the poor condition of the Bako Kontagora Stadium pitch.

According to the NPFL, the Minna-based club’s home ground does not meet club licensing standards, making it unfit for professional football. The decision follows multiple complaints from visiting teams about the substandard playing surface this season.

Ahmadu Bello Stadium Also Ruled Out

In a further setback, the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, which Niger Tornadoes had selected as a backup venue, has also been deemed unsuitable due to poor pitch maintenance. As a result, the club must now choose another alternative home ground from the approved NPFL stadia list.

The NPFL emphasized that Niger Tornadoes can only return to their original home once the pitch and other key facilities are upgraded to meet professional standards, including those required for television coverage.

Opinion: Poor Infrastructure Still a Major NPFL Setback

This situation highlights the ongoing infrastructure challenges plaguing Nigerian club football. While the NPFL has been making strides in branding and commercialization, the lack of quality playing surfaces continues to hinder the development of the league.

For a league aspiring to attract global attention, television revenue, and better sponsorship deals, ensuring well-maintained pitches should be a top priority. Until then, issues like these will remain a recurring problem, affecting both player performance and the overall viewing experience.