When it comes to sports infrastructure, stadiums in Nigeria continue to serve as vital hubs for football, athletics, and national celebrations.
While some may not match global standards, several Nigerian stadiums stand out for their design, capacity, and cultural significance.
If you’re a fan of watching live matches from these venues, you might also enjoy placing bets on your favourite teams. Be sure to read our full Betano Nigeria site review to get started with trusted, regulated sports betting.
Here are the top 5 stadiums in Nigeria, ranked in descending order:
1. Akwa Ibom International Stadium, Uyo
Also known as the “Nest of Champions,” this is arguably the most modern and visually striking stadium in Nigeria.
Located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, this 30,000-seat stadium was completed in 2014 and modeled after Germany’s Allianz Arena.
It’s a frequent home for the Super Eagles and is widely considered one of the best stadiums in Nigeria.
Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria , is a world-class multi-purpose sports facility.
With a seating capacity of 30,000, it hosts football matches, athletics, and major events. pic.twitter.com/fvFsXOdl6T
— Africa First (@AfricaFirsts) October 13, 2024
2. Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja
Abuja National Stadium, also known as Moshood Abiola National Stadium, is a world-class all-seater stadium in Nigeria’s rapidly developing Federal Capital Territory.
It serves as the home ground for the Nigerian national football team and hosts a variety of social, cultural, and religious events.
The Federal Government approved the construction of the stadium and its accompanying Games Village on July 18, 2000, in preparation for the 8th All-Africa Games, which were held in October 2003. With a seating capacity of 60,491, the stadium stands as one of the most modern and multi-functional sports facilities in Africa.
National Stadium Abuja, Nigeria
 pic.twitter.com/pBjNj0cePP— NICASA (@NICASAORG) October 7, 2024
3. Teslim Balogun Stadium
Another stadium in Nigeria is the Teslim Balogun Stadium, a multi-purpose sports facility located in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. Primarily used for football, it serves as the home ground for First Bank F.C. and has hosted several major fixtures, including the Nigerian FA Cup final and youth tournaments.
With a seating capacity of 24,325, the stadium is suitable for international matches and stands adjacent to the historic Lagos National Stadium.
It is named in honour of Teslim ‘Thunder’ Balogun, is a legendary Nigerian footballer known for his pioneering contributions to the sport.
The ongoing transformation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere is our government’s commitment to investing in facilities that nurture talent and bring communities together.
The cladding, roof covering, track replacement, upgrading of the VIP Lounge, players dressing… pic.twitter.com/IC0fg10Pxe
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) January 20, 2024
4. U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar
U.J. Esuene Stadium, located in Calabar, Cross River State, has a seating capacity of 16,000 and was officially opened on April 2, 1977. Its inauguration featured a match between Bendel Insurance F.C. of Benin and the newly formed Calabar Rovers.
Two weeks later, the stadium hosted a high-profile international fixture between Enugu Rangers and Tonnerre Yaoundé, showcasing football legends such as Roger Milla, Christian Chukwu, and Emmanuel Okalla.
Over the years, the stadium has hosted major events, including matches during the 2003 All-Africa Games and Nigeria’s qualifiers for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. This is also one of the best stadiums in Nigeria.
The new look for calabar stadium known As UJ Esuene stadium. pic.twitter.com/shOGM2I16Z
— OFFICIAL CALABARGIST (@calabargist_) December 5, 2023
5. Liberation Stadium
Liberation Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in the Elekahia area of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Dolphins F.C..The stadium has a capacity of 30,000 people.