The Akwa Ibom State Government has firmly rejected viral social media reports claiming that Super Eagles players donated money for the renovation or upkeep of the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Officials described the claims as false, misleading, and baseless, stressing that the world-class facility remains fully maintained by the state.
Official Clarification on Stadium Maintenance
Hon. Aniekan Umanah, Commissioner for Information, and Elder Paul Bassey, Commissioner for Sports, addressed journalists to set the record straight. They confirmed that the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium is 100% maintained by the Akwa Ibom State Government, with no financial contribution ever made by any Super Eagles player or individual for its upgrade or daily operations.
The commissioners emphasized that the stadium continues to be in excellent condition. It benefits from an ongoing maintenance contract with Julius Berger Plc, which ensures a high-quality playing pitch, modern dressing rooms, FIFA-approved floodlights, and a fully functional electronic scoreboard.
These standards were clearly demonstrated during the most recent Super Eagles match hosted in Uyo.
Super Eagles Secretary Reacts to Viral Reports
Reacting to the circulating stories, Mr. Enebi Achor, Secretary of the Super Eagles, described the publication as “embarrassing.” He noted that the players were surprised by the false narrative and questioned its origin.
Achor’s statement reinforces the official position that no such player-funded contribution occurred.
Background on the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium
The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, often called the Nest of Champions, serves as a premier venue for both the Super Eagles and domestic football in Nigeria. Built to international standards, it has hosted numerous high-profile matches, including FIFA and CAF-approved games.
The state government has consistently invested in its upkeep through a long-standing partnership with Julius Berger, a move that has helped preserve the facility’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s top sporting infrastructures.
Why This Clarification Matters
The debunking of these claims helps protect the reputation of the Super Eagles players and the Akwa Ibom State Government. It also reassures football fans and stakeholders that the venue remains fully operational and well-maintained without relying on unofficial donations.
Clear communication like this prevents misinformation from affecting public perception of Nigeria’s national team preparations and state sports infrastructure management.
What’s Next for the Stadium and Nigerian Football
With Matchday 30 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) scheduled for the weekend of March 14–16, 2026, attention remains on domestic fixtures across various venues. The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium continues to stand ready as a key asset for both national and club football in the region.
The state government’s commitment to professional maintenance through Julius Berger ensures the facility will support future Super Eagles matches and league games without interruption.
Key Takeaway: The Akwa Ibom State Government and Super Eagles officials have unequivocally dismissed reports of player contributions to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium. The venue remains 100% state-maintained in top condition, highlighting ongoing efforts to provide world-class facilities for Nigerian football.