Niger Begins Bako Kontagora Stadium Upgrade ahead of NPFL Season

By Daniel Ebi the, Minna.

The Niger State Government has commenced the reconstruction of the Bako Kontagora Stadium in Minna, with the installation of a FIFA-standard synthetic playing surface as part of preparations for the 2026/27 Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season.

The project, which has been awarded to Diamond Orange Limited, is aimed at ensuring that Niger Tornadoes return to their home ground in Minna for the start of the new league campaign after playing away from home due to inadequate facilities.

Speaking during the official handover of the project, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development and Supervising Commissioner for Sports, Jacob Baba Yisa, said Governor Mohammed Umar Bago had approved the immediate reconstruction of the stadium and directed that the work be executed in line with approved standards.

Yisa stated that the government is determined to complete the renovation before the commencement of the new NPFL season, enabling Niger Tornadoes to host their home fixtures at the Bako Kontagora Stadium.

The Chairman of the Niger Tornadoes Management Committee, Abubakar Abdullahi Kuso, described the project as another significant achievement under the state’s New Niger Agenda. 

He disclosed that Governor Bago had personally directed that every effort be made to ensure the club returns to Minna for its home matches.

“Following a one-on-one meeting with His Excellency, the Governor instructed me to do everything possible to ensure Niger Tornadoes play their home games in Minna from the beginning of the league season,” Kuso said.

The Managing Director of Diamond Orange Limited, Isaac Obonyano, assured the state government and football stakeholders that the project would be delivered within the agreed timeframe and in accordance with international specifications.

According to him, the FIFA-recognised synthetic turf carries a 10-year guarantee, while the renovation will also include the installation of facilities capable of supporting night matches, bringing the stadium closer to modern football standards.

The upgrade is expected to significantly improve football infrastructure in Niger State, enhance the match-day experience for supporters, and provide Niger Tornadoes with a competitive advantage by returning to their traditional home ground for the upcoming NPFL season.