Description
Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, affectionately known as "The Cathedral," is a multi-purpose stadium located in Enugu, Nigeria. The stadium has a seating capacity of 22,000, but it once hosted 44,000 fans for a match between Enugu Rangers and Enyimba FC.
Established in 1959, the stadium was initially owned by the Nigerian Railway Corporation and later taken over by the Eastern Nigeria Government. It was refurbished after the Nigeria-Biafra civil war and has undergone several renovations.
Gallery
Things to Note
Here are few things to note about Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium:
- Facilities: The stadium features artificial turf and a videomatrix scoreboard. However, the Enugu State Government has announced plans to upgrade the facilities, including:
- New Pitch: Replacing the existing pitch with a FIFA-certified natural turf.
- Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool: Constructing a new pool with diving platforms and covered spectator stands.
- Indoor Sports Arena: Remodeling the arena with new wooden flooring, upgraded lighting, and improved ventilation.
- Running Track: Replacing the worn-out track with a state-of-the-art IAAF-certified polyurethane track.
- Events: The stadium hosts various events, including football matches, and is the home stadium of Enugu Rangers. It has also hosted notable tournaments like the 1999 FIFA U-20 World Cup and the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup.
- Renovation Plans: The Enugu State Government has allocated N10 billion for the stadium's renovation, aiming to make it a world-class facility for the 2026 National Sports Festival.
Things to Pack
- Sport gear
- camera
- bottle water
- comfortable clothing and footwear
- sun protection.