The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has announced that it has withdrawn provisional approval for the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, effectively banning Niger Tornadoes from using it for the 2025/26 season.The decision, communicated in a letter dated February 19, 2025, cited the stadium’s failure to meet the infrastructure criteria set out in the NPFL’s Club Licensing Regulations.
As a result, the club’s opening match against Nasarawa United has been rescheduled to the Ilorin Township Stadium on Wednesday, August 27, 2025. The NPFL has stated that all subsequent home fixtures will be played at the same venue until the Minna stadium meets the necessary standards.
In response, Niger Tornadoes have acknowledged the unsatisfactory conditions of their home ground and have nominated the Lafia Township Stadium in Nasarawa State as their new designated home ground. The club has also announced that maintenance work is underway to bring the Bako Kontagora Stadium up to the required standards.
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Editorial
The NPFL’s decision to ban the Bako Kontagora Stadium underscores the league’s commitment to upholding standards and ensuring that all venues meet the necessary criteria for hosting top-flight football. While the move may cause inconvenience for Niger Tornadoes and their supporters, it serves as a reminder that infrastructure plays a crucial role in the development and credibility of the league.
Niger Tornadoes’ proactive approach in nominating the Lafia Township Stadium as their new home ground demonstrates a willingness to adapt and comply with the league’s regulations. The ongoing maintenance work at the Minna stadium is a positive step towards meeting the required standards, and it is hoped that the venue will soon be reinstated for league matches.
This situation also highlights the importance of regular assessments and upgrades to stadium facilities across the league. It is essential for clubs to invest in their infrastructure to not only comply with regulations but also to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for players and fans alike.
In the long term, the NPFL’s emphasis on infrastructure standards will contribute to the overall growth and professionalism of Nigerian football. By ensuring that all venues meet the necessary criteria, the league can enhance its reputation and attract greater support from fans, sponsors, and broadcasters
Did You Know?
- The Bako Kontagora Stadium has a seating capacity of 5,000 and is located in the heart of Minna, Niger State.
- Niger Tornadoes Football Club was founded in 1977 and has had a fluctuating presence in the top tier of Nigerian football.
- The Lafia Township Stadium, now designated as Niger Tornadoes’ home ground, has a seating capacity of 10,000 and is located in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
- In the 2017–18 NPFL season, Niger Tornadoes drew an average home attendance of 4,300 at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.
- The NPFL’s Club Licensing Regulations are designed to ensure that clubs meet specific criteria in areas such as infrastructure, youth development, and financial management.
