Teslim Balogun Stadium
Teslim Balogun Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. It is used mostly for football matches and serves as a home ground of First Bank F.C.. The stadium has a capacity of 24,325 people for international football matches, and the Nigerian FA Cup final, which it hosted before the youth tournament in 2009. Most Nigerian stadiums allow more people in the stadium than the official capacity allows, which could decrease comfort. It sits adjacent to the Lagos National Stadium.
Overview
It is named after former professional footballer Teslim Balogun.
The stadium is located directly opposite the multipurpose National Stadium.
Started in 1984 under the administration of military governor Gbolahan Mudasiru, construction continually stalled under military regimes and the stadium became a white elephant. By the time the stadium was completed in 2007, it had taken 23 years to build and cost over N1.3 billion.
As recently as 2006, it was occupied by homeless people and area boys.
The first event held in the stadium was the 18th Mobil Track and Field Athletics Championship on May 17. The first football game was a friendly on May 28 between Enyimba vs. Asante Kotoko. The stadium also hosted the Nigeria Premier League Super Four playoff that season and the Nigerian FA Cup final in 2007. The final of the 2009 Federation Cup between Enyimba and Sharks was held at the stadium.
Lagos State Commissioner for Youth Sports and Social Development, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele disclosed at the FIFA Media Briefing Room of the Teslim Balogun Stadium on May 18, 2009 on the preparations for FIFA U-17 World Cup that “with a FIFA Star Two artificial turf, FIFA Grade seats with back rest, a seating capacity of 24,325, a 70KVA electricity generating set for the digital scoreboard, state of art changing room for athletes and officials, security gadgets with CCTV cameras, a 1,000KVA and 500KVA generating sets and other standard facilities, I know we are set to host a successful championship.”
The Teslim Balogun stadium was also the main venue of the 18th National Sports festival in December 2012.
Architecture
The stadium was designed by renowned Nigerian Architect O.C Majoroh of Majoroh partnership (www.majoroh.com). Established in 1980.
External links
- Venue information
- October 2006
- Lagos Govt spends N1.4b on Balogun Stadium
- Enyimba, Kotoko baptise Teslim Balogun pitch
- Teslim Balogun To Host Principal’s Cup
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