Super Eagles Set To Play in New Home Stadium After Two Consecutive World Cup Heartbreaks in Uyo

Super Eagles Set To Play in New Home Stadium After Two Consecutive World Cup Heartbreaks in Uyo

  • Super Eagles have failed to win crucial home games at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, derailing World Cup campaigns
  • Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is urging the NFF to bring matches to Ibadan to boost sports development
  • Fans believe a new home ground could help the Super Eagles reset and regain their winning mentality

Nigeria’s Super Eagles could be set to play in a new home stadium as they aim to move past two consecutive FIFA World Cup qualifying disappointments linked to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

At the Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF) 2025 Annual General Assembly in Ibadan, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde called on the federation to consider hosting future Super Eagles matches in Ibadan.

Super Eagles, Nigeria, NFF, World Cup, Stadium
The NFF has been told to move the Super Eagles' home games from the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo to Ibadan. Photo by NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images

According to the Daily Post, Makinde emphasised that his administration is committed to developing the state’s sports economy and sees hosting international games as a step toward achieving that goal.

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NFF president sends message to Nigerians ahead of final phase of World Cup qualifiers

“Oyo State, particularly Ibadan, is ready to host top-tier events, including Super Eagles matches,” Makinde declared.
“We have the facilities, and I pledge full government support to make it successful.”

Should the Super Eagles leave Uyo?

The Godswill Akpabio Stadium has been the Super Eagles’ primary home in recent years, but it has also been the site of some of their most disappointing results.

Super Eagles, Nigeria, NFF, World Cup, Stadium
The Super Eagles players warming up inside the Godwill Akpabio stadium before their World Cup qualifier against Rwanda. Photo by NurPhoto
Source: Getty Images

Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup started with a 1-1 draw against Ghana in Abuja during the crucial playoff match, ending hopes of reaching Qatar.

Fast forward to the 2026 qualifiers, and history is about to repeat itself as the Super Eagles dropped vital points in Uyo, drawing 1-1 against both South Africa and Zimbabwe at home.

As seen on FIFA.com, those results left Nigeria third in Group C, six points behind South Africa with just two games to go, making a late turnaround nearly impossible.

Read also

Blow for Nigeria as Super Eagles star doubtful for upcoming World Cup qualifiers

Fans have questioned whether the team needs a change of scenery to reignite their home dominance.

Governor Makinde’s proposal to bring the Super Eagles to Ibadan could mark the beginning of a new era for Nigerian football.

With renovated sporting facilities and a growing passion for football in Oyo State, Ibadan presents itself as a fresh battleground where the Super Eagles could rebuild confidence and connect with new fans.

Supporters hope that moving away from Uyo might break the “home curse” that has haunted the Super Eagles during key qualifiers, especially in the World Cup race.

The Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most talented squads with superstars like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Boniface, but consistency has been their undoing in recent campaigns.

A move away from Uyo might not only offer a clean slate but also signal a renewed determination to dominate at home.

Read also

Nigeria and South Africa renew rivalry as Remo Stars draw Mamelodi Sundowns in CAF Champions League

As Nigeria prepares for the final rounds of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and future competitions, all eyes will be on the NFF’s decision.

South Africa changed stadium after Nigeria match

In a related development, Legit.ng reported that South Africa has changed the venue for their final home game of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with their clash against Rwanda now scheduled to be held at the Mbombela Stadium.

This decision follows heavy criticism over the poor condition of the Toyota Stadium pitch in Bloemfontein, where they hosted Nigeria in a 1-1 draw earlier.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Chukwu Ikechukwu avatar

Chukwu Ikechukwu (Sports Editor) Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a seasoned sports journalist with over a decade of experience across radio, TV, and online media. His career has seen him contribute his expertise to prominent media outlets such as Today FM, Wish FM, Silverbird Communications, and Sports Brief. Chukwu has covered prominent sporting events, including the African Wrestling Championship, NPFL matches, AFCON, and World Cup qualifiers, etc. Email: Chukwu.ikechukwu@corp.legit.ng

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