FIFA-certified sports facilities expert and CEO of Monimichelle Sports Company, Ebi Egbe, has issued a stark warning to state governors across Nigeria, urging them not to be misled by the green surface of football pitches. In an exclusive interview with The Guardian, Egbe emphasized that while a pitch may appear lush from the stands, it does not necessarily meet the high standards required for elite football.
The Warning Against Superficial Judgments
Egbe's caution comes shortly after Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, criticized some ongoing works at Warri City Stadium while praising the pitch's appearance. Egbe stressed that only end-users—players, coaches, and match officials—can accurately assess a pitch's quality. "Administrators are not end users; they can only judge from appearance," he stated, highlighting a common pitfall in sports infrastructure evaluation.
Examples of Failed Pitches in Nigeria
To illustrate his point, Egbe cited several Nigerian stadiums that initially looked impressive but later faced significant issues. "Take a look at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Lekan Salami Stadium, and Stephen Keshi Stadium. At different points, all presented visually appealing green 100 percent natural pitches after construction or renovation. On the surface, they looked ready," he explained.
However, Egbe noted that these facilities have struggled over time with sustainability problems, including poor drainage, inconsistent grass coverage, rapid wear under usage, and an inability to support the speed and intensity of modern football. "The consequence is evident: today, none of these facilities can reliably host top-level CAF competitions. This is the core issue—construction is being mistaken for performance," he added.
The Need for Long-Term Performance Focus
Egbe emphasized that a pitch should not be judged on its commissioning day but rather months and years later under match pressure. "If it cannot maintain quality consistently, then the 'green' was only cosmetic," he asserted. The certified hybrid pitch technician called for a shift in focus from visual appeal to functional performance and durability. "Until we shift focus from how a pitch looks to how it performs and endures, we will keep building stadiums that impress visually but fail functionally," he concluded.
Progress on Yakubu Gowon Stadium Project
In related news, Egbe disclosed that fabrication of 30-meter floodlight masts to hold a 1500LUX lighting system for HDTV is currently in full progress at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium project site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He described this phase as critical for achieving broadcast-grade illumination standards, ensuring uniform light distribution across the pitch and track, and meeting FIFA/CAF requirements for HDTV night matches.
"The structural integrity, alignment precision, and electrical integration of these masts will directly impact lighting performance and long-term reliability," Egbe explained. He added that once completed, the installation will significantly enhance matchday experience, player visibility, and overall stadium safety, positioning the stadium to meet elite competition standards for international games.
