National Stadium of Lagos, Nigeria

The National Stadium of Lagos, located in Surulere, Lagos, is a multi-purpose sports complex built in 1972. Constructed when Lagos was the federal capital of Nigeria, it was designed to be a symbol of modernity and progress for the country. The stadium originally had a seating capacity of 55,000, but this was later reduced to 45,000.

In addition to the football field, the stadium includes an Olympic-sized swimming pool and various other sports facilities, making it a central hub for a variety of athletic activities. Football, being the most popular sport in Nigeria, has found one of its main homes in this stadium. The passion for football in Nigeria dates back to 1904, and the Surulere complex has cemented its role as the temple of national football.

The National Stadium of Lagos has hosted numerous significant international events. Among these, the final of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations remains one of the most memorable, marking a historic milestone for Nigerian football and its national team, which won that edition. This event, in particular, saw the enthusiastic participation of thousands of fans, highlighting the stadium's importance as the epicenter of national sporting celebrations.

Beyond football competitions, the facility has been used for other sporting and cultural events, confirming its status as a reference point for the entire community. Its construction was an ambitious project that involved various stakeholders, including the federal government and international partners, with the aim of providing Nigeria with a state-of-the-art facility.

In summary, the National Stadium of Lagos is not just a sports facility but a symbol of national identity and pride. It was abandoned in 2004, but after 18 years, renovation works have begun.