By Rita Enemuru, Reporting
A FIFA licensed football agent has delivered a glowing verdict on the ongoing renovation of the Warri City Stadium, declaring that the Delta State government is executing a remarkable project poised to positively reposition Nigeria on the global football map.
The London-based Drew Uyi flew into Warri at the invitation of the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, for an extensive inspection tour of the remodelled facility. Accompanied by project manager Engr. Femi James and a contingent of journalists on Monday, Uyi was taken through the full spectrum of the stadium’s facilities, from the newly resurfaced access roads to the meticulously maintained pitch.
The tour encompassed the main bowl, where a lush green turf cultivated by Moroccan experts just four weeks ago now stands, as well as the changing rooms, VIP lounge, mixed zone, expanded press arena, control room, training pitch, and an indoor sports hall still under construction. The Delta State Sports team left no area unexplored, demonstrating what Uyi later described as a masterly approach to the project.
Engr. James revealed that remodelling work began eleven months ago, with the initial completion date set for the end of the year. However, he noted that the pace of work now suggests the project will be finished by the midpoint of the year. He added that the quality of work would position Warri Stadium among the best FIFA-rated venues in the country, stressing that all procedures and standards had been meticulously followed.
The project manager credited the Delta State government, through the Delta State Sports Commission, for providing the necessary funding and enabling environment that had made execution seamless. He also acknowledged the strong support of the local community. Security infrastructure, he noted, was particularly extensive, with cameras capable of capturing events up to ten kilometres outside the stadium, with provision for extension to twenty kilometres to ensure nothing escaped the view of those responsible for safety.
Following the inspection, Drew Uyi delivered a captivating assessment, praising the wide expanse of the approach road, the drainage facilities, spectator areas, security network, playing turf, and press arena, all of which he said were aligned to meet FIFA standards and position the stadium for matches involving the Super Eagles and other national teams.
Uyi described the project as a good work in progress, commending the Delta State government for its intentional commitment to positioning Warri Stadium to attract FIFA and achieve global visibility. He noted that this vision aligned firmly with the forward-looking mindset of the government.
Speaking further to reporters, Uyi confirmed that following a detailed assessment, the stadium pitch would meet FIFA standards and was in excellent playing condition. He praised the surface quality, drainage system, and overall maintenance as being of top international standard, suitable for high-level competitive football.
Beyond the pitch, he added that all critical infrastructure and supporting elements had been thoroughly evaluated. Spectator areas, team facilities, and operational systems were found to be well maintained and aligned with modern expectations. Notably, he assessed the security architecture and crowd control measures as highly effective, meeting best-practice standards and ensuring a safe environment for players, officials, and fans alike.
The delegation expressed strong confidence in the stadium’s readiness to host top-tier matches and sporting events, with Uyi underscoring that the collaborative efforts of the Delta State Sports Commission and on-site management continued to position Warri Stadium as a key venue for football development and sporting excellence in Nigeria.
Uyi, who also serves as an international brand expert, said the successful inspection underscored a shared commitment to maintaining world-class sports infrastructure and promoting the growth of football within the region.
Engr. James provided further insight into the scale and ambition of the project, noting that the stadium was strategically located close to the city and seaport, designed to accommodate football, athletics, and a range of indoor and outdoor sports. He explained that the arena sports hall would cater for all court games, including handball, basketball, and volleyball, while the car parks were being designed to also accommodate outdoor court games within the complex.
The project, which began around May of the previous year, had benefited from strong local content involvement, including in the construction of the football pitch. Engr. James confirmed that the community had been exceptionally supportive and receptive throughout the process.
He noted that the stadium was protected by CCTV cameras monitoring activities up to ten kilometres away, with the capacity to extend coverage to twenty kilometres by installing additional masts across the town and linking them to the stadium. There were also plans to introduce a feature that would allow people to watch games happening in Warri from Asaba and vice versa, linking the stadium with others in Asaba, Ughelli, and other major locations.
Engr. James stated that the stadium was positioned for world-class games, with the football pitch meeting high FIFA standards suitable for international matches. With a capacity of approximately 15,100, he explained that the stadium fell within the third highest category and could host AFCON matches and World Cup qualifiers. The track, he added, featured eight lanes with provision for motion cameras to monitor race timings.
Uyi echoed this sentiment during his remarks, drawing comparisons with international standards. He praised the spaciousness of the approach road, noting the contrast with the narrow roads typical of London. He commended the solid structure of the stadium, the well-equipped dressing rooms and medical facilities, and the top-notch security system, which he said was similar to what he had recently observed in Morocco.
The FIFA agent gave the facility a ten out of ten rating, considering what the engineers had indicated would still be added.
He emphasised the stadium’s strategic position, its proximity to the city and seaport, and its strong marketing potential, noting that Warri’s deep-rooted football culture would ensure the facility attracted visitors from far and wide once completed.
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