The Lagos State Government has continued its investment in sports infrastructure with the unveiling of a new natural grass pitch at the iconic Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, as part of efforts to position sports as a key driver of economic and social development.
The former artificial turf at the stadium has been replaced with a high-quality natural grass pitch designed to meet international standards. The pitch features four sub-surface drainage layers to facilitate effective water management and prevent flooding, with a fifth drainage layer installed at 1.5-metre intervals on the surface.
The facility is expected to host major sporting events, including the maiden National Intermediate Games scheduled for the first quarter of 2027, as well as other competitions and sporting activities.
Speaking at the unveiling, the Director of Sports Facilities at the Lagos State Sports Commission, Mr Deji Aladegbemi, said the upgrade reflected Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s commitment to using sports development to promote socio-economic growth across the state.
Aladegbemi said Lagos would continue to expand its sports infrastructure beyond the eight stadia currently undergoing development, noting that areas such as Badagry could leverage sports facilities to boost tourism and entertainment.
He explained that the management of the stadium would adopt a hybrid model involving government and private-sector participation. According to him, the approach would help build internal capacity while attracting external investment and generating revenue from the facility.
The Director also stressed that the new pitch would be protected from unauthorised and non-sporting activities to preserve its quality and extend its lifespan. He said other centres across the state were available for social engagements, adding that stadium management must reflect contemporary standards.
The Managing Director of Peculiar Concerns Limited, the firm handling the project, Engr. Adeleke Olanrewaju, commended the state government for prioritising pitch quality in its stadium upgrades. He said the development would improve the venue’s prospects for securing FIFA accreditation.
Olanrewaju noted that poor pitch quality had affected the accreditation of some stadiums in Nigeria, stressing that certifying authorities place significant emphasis on the quality and standard of playing surfaces.
He added that FIFA requires four training pitches to complement a main stadium for full accreditation, noting that Lagos had exceeded the requirement by providing eight standard pitches across different locations to serve as training facilities.
The contractor further said the new Teslim Balogun pitch had been designed to withstand varying weather conditions but would require specialised maintenance beyond regular watering. He advised that its use should be restricted to football activities to preserve its quality and ensure long-term durability.
