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AFCON ’27: Lagos ready to host Africa – Dep. Gov, Hamzat

The Lagos State Government has assured the Confederation of African Football (CAF) of its readiness to offer excellent sports facilities and a conducive environment to enhance Nigeria’s interest in co-hosting the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside the Republic of Benin.

Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor, conveyed this commitment while receiving the Confederation of African Football Inspection Team on behalf of the State Governor. The meeting took place at the Round House in Alausa, Ikeja.

Hamzat emphasized that Lagos possesses the essential elements for effectively co-hosting a significant sports event like the Africa Cup of Nations. He highlighted the state’s assets: a skilled populace, adequate facilities, and unwavering government dedication.

Pointing out that Lagos had previously hosted the under-17 and under-20 World Cup football tournaments, Hamzat highlighted the insights gained from these experiences in terms of hosting protocols.

“We possess the framework, we are familiar with the expectations, and all we need to do is replicate our past successes to ensure excellence. The joint bid makes it particularly intriguing,” he stated, assuring the delegation of a warm welcome in the state, facilitated by both the public and private sectors.

Furthermore, Hamzat underscored Lagos State’s broader ambitions beyond the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, including igniting interest in football among younger generations. He stated, “Our goal is to see several Nigerians represented in teams around the world. We aspire for four to five Nigerians to be part of every team.”

Regarding infrastructure, Hamzat mentioned the ongoing renovation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, intended to elevate it beyond standard requirements for the 2027 competition and beyond. Additionally, new stadiums are under construction across various communities within the state to encourage youth, both male and female, in participating in football and other sports.

“We are developing nine stadiums in locations such as Agege, Ifako-Ijaye, Ikorodu, Epe, and more. This initiative is aimed at fostering community football and encouraging participation,” he added, assuring that the Teslim Balogun Stadium will be completed by the end of the year.

The leader of Nigeria’s Bid Delegation for the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, Mallam Mainasara Illo, expressed the team’s purpose in Lagos – to assess proposed football facilities by the Nigeria Football Federation for the tournament. He disclosed that six Nigerian states and two cities in the Republic of Benin have been proposed as hosts. He urged the Lagos State Government to expedite work on the Teslim Balogun Stadium and ensure other necessary amenities like hospitals, VIP hotels, and airports are in place.

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