The director general of the NSC, Chief Patrick Ekeji, who represented the Chairman of NSC and Minister for Sports, Engr. Sani Ndanusa at the handing over, said the pitch was Nigeria’s FIFA legacy. Ekeji admitted that the world soccer governing body was almost withdrawing the project following seeming problem in securing venue to construct the pitch on. Aside the FIFA’s Goal Project, which is in the second phase, the provision of two other artificial turfs in Abuja and Lagos was said to be part of FIFA’s contribution to ensure football is developed to the highest of standards in Nigeria.

“We will make good use of these artificial turfs for the development of football”, Ekeji said. And while fielding questions from newsmen, Sophocules Sophocleous said with the type of materials used in the construction of the Area 3 project, it is guaranteed that the pitch would last for over ten years, if properly maintained.

“We put a lot of things into consideration while constructing this Abuja pitch. It was designed to withstanding all kinds of weather, and it is capable of lasting for over ten years if properly maintained.” FIFA, too, are particular about maintenance.

Sophocleous, in explaining the factor involved in the Enugu Stadium pitch that got washed away, said it was as a result of a sudden change of contractor. He said: “Greenfields is one of the five major contractors recognised by FIFA, and after the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium job was given to us, it was suddenly taken away to another company, which perhaps used different specifications and materials that were not suitable for the type of job required.”