LAGOS — A major crisis is brewing within the Super Eagles camp as senior players express deep-seated frustration over the alleged stagnation of facility upgrades at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.
Sources close to the team suggest that stars including Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi are increasingly disillusioned following a collective contribution of $750,000 (approximately ₦1.2 billion) intended for the stadium’s renovation.
The funds, reportedly handed over following the team’s recent AFCON encounter against Egypt, were specifically earmarked for critical infrastructure repairs. The planned upgrades were said to include the installation of modern LED advertising boards, repairs to the digital scoreboard, enhancement of the floodlights, and a complete overhaul of the dressing rooms and playing pitch.
Despite the significant financial commitment from the players, returning squad members noted that visible work on these projects has yet to begin months after the funds were purportedly released to the state authorities.
“The players feel let down,” a source familiar with the situation stated. “They made this gesture to ensure they have a world-class environment to represent the country, but seeing no progress on the ground is disheartening. They are questioning where that money went.”
While the Akwa Ibom State Government recently renewed its maintenance contract with Julius Berger, the specific timeline for the player-funded upgrades remains a mystery. Neither the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) nor the state sports ministry has issued an official statement regarding the status of the $750,000 donation or the cause of the delay.
The “Nest of Champions” remains Nigeria’s primary home ground, but this brewing internal friction and the lack of transparency regarding the funds threaten to overshadow the team’s preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
