By Amaechi Agbo

Ahead of the 2026/2027 Nigeria premier Football League due to commence in August, the Niger State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, with plans to install a FIFA-standard synthetic playing surface.

The project was officially handed over to construction firm Diamond Orange Limited as part of efforts to ensure Niger Tornadoes begin the new campaign at their home ground.

Speaking during the handover ceremony, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Supervising Commissioner for Sports, Jacob Baba Yisa, said Governor Mohammed Umar Bago approved the immediate commencement of the project with a directive that the renovation meets the required standards. He stressed that the state government is committed to completing the work in time for Niger Tornadoes to host their home fixtures in Minna from the start of the new season.

Chairman of the Niger Tornadoes Management Committee, Dr. Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, described the stadium renovation as another milestone under the state’s “New Niger Agenda.” He revealed that Governor Bago had directed him to ensure the club play its home matches in Minna. “After a one-on-one discussion with the Governor, he instructed me to do everything possible to ensure we play our matches at home from the beginning of the league season,” Kuso said.

Managing Director of Diamond Orange Limited, Isaac Obonyano, assured stakeholders that the project would be executed according to specification and completed within the stipulated timeframe. He disclosed that the FIFA-recognised synthetic pitch to be installed comes with a 10-year guarantee, adding that the renovation will also include facilities capable of hosting night matches at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.