The Federal Government has approved the installation of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, in a move aimed at aligning Nigeria’s football infrastructure with international standards.
The approval, announced by the National Sports Commission (NSC), forms part of a broader nationwide sports infrastructure upgrade designed to improve the country’s readiness to host major international sporting events and strengthen domestic competitions.
The introduction of VAR marks Nigeria’s latest push to modernise football officiating through technology, following its adoption by several footballing nations and competitions worldwide to assist referees in reviewing match-changing incidents.
According to the NSC, the Abuja stadium upgrade will include the deployment of VAR systems alongside improvements to the main pitch, athletics tracks, floodlights, media facilities, dressing rooms, security infrastructure and electronic advertising systems.
The commission said the installation of VAR is intended to improve officiating standards and ensure the stadium meets requirements for hosting high-level continental and international matches.
Beyond match officiating, the sports facility will also receive a high-performance centre and an anti-doping laboratory equipped with sports medical facilities as part of efforts to strengthen sports science and athlete support systems.
The redevelopment plan also includes the conversion of the stadium’s abandoned athletes’ hostel into a commercial hotel complex and upgrades to supporting infrastructure to improve operational sustainability.
Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, said the infrastructure programme represents part of a wider government effort to reposition sports as a driver of youth development, economic growth and national competitiveness.
Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, said the initiative goes beyond facility upgrades and is intended to support talent development and improve Nigeria’s competitiveness in global sports.
The sports infrastructure programme will also extend to tertiary institutions, mini sports centres and future National Sports Festival host states as part of a long-term strategy to improve grassroots sports development nationwide.