Poor Pitch Shuts Lekan Salami Stadium Out of NPFL Fixtures

By Kunle Solaja.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has ordered the relocation of matches from the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan, following growing concerns over the deteriorating condition of the playing surface.

With effect from the next NPFL matchday, league fixtures will no longer be staged at the Ibadan venue until urgent improvements are carried out on the pitch. As a result of the decision, Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) will now play their home matches at the MKO Abiola Arena in Abeokuta.

The development was confirmed by the Chairman of the NPFL, Gbenga Elegbeleye, who is also a Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Elegbeleye disclosed the decision in an interview with Sports Village Square, stressing that player safety and the integrity of the league were paramount.

The venue shake-up has also had a ripple effect on other NPFL clubs. Remo Stars, who were recently sanctioned to play their home matches away from their Ikenne base and temporarily relocated to Ibadan, will now host their home fixtures in Akure. In a twist of fate, Remo Stars had earlier hosted Sunshine Stars of Akure at their Ikenne stadium, but the reversal now sees them seeking refuge in the Ondo State capital.

The decision by the NPFL follows mounting concerns over the state of the Lekan Salami Stadium pitch, which has come under scrutiny in recent weeks. Sports Village Square had earlier reported that the poor condition of the turf forced the Nigeria Football Federation to relocate the Falconets’ 2026 FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Senegal from Ibadan to Abeokuta.

In a similar move, Niger Tornadoes have also been advised by the league authorities to choose between Ilorin and Jos as alternative venues for their home matches, amid ongoing assessments of approved NPFL stadiums.

The NPFL leadership has maintained that clubs and state authorities must ensure that playing surfaces meet acceptable standards, warning that further relocations could follow if facilities continue to fall short.

The latest round of venue changes once again highlights the persistent challenge of stadium infrastructure and pitch maintenance in Nigerian football, as league organizers strive to balance competitive integrity with player welfare and broadcast standards.

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