Former Super Eagles midfielder Mutiu Adepoju has praised the newly upgraded playing surface at Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos, declaring that the pitch is capable of hosting the national team and other top-level football matches.
Adepoju, popularly known as ‘Headmaster’, made the remarks during a tour of the stadium and other sports facilities being developed by the Lagos State Government.
Despite rainfall during the inspection, Adepoju expressed his excitement over the quality of the new turf at Teslim Balogun Stadium.
“It is heartwarming for me to see the pitch of Teslim Balogun Stadium in this beautiful manner. I never thought the pitch of a stadium in Nigeria would ever get this beautiful green playing turf,” he said.
Adepoju added that the facility could now host the Super Eagles and other Grade A football matches.
The former Nigeria international also commended Lare Adeleke, Chief Executive Officer of Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd, and his team of engineers for the quality of work carried out at the stadium.
He equally praised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for giving the facility what he described as a major facelift.
However, Adeleke explained that the Teslim Balogun pitch was not yet completely finished, revealing that one additional layer was still required before it could be officially handed over.
“The grass here at Teslim Balogun Stadium is one month younger than the one at Warri City Stadium. As we speak, the pitch in Warri is ready for play. This one still needs one more layer to be fully ready for play because we don’t want to hand over a poor job,” Adeleke said.
He stressed the importance of quality playing surfaces, noting that previous stadium projects had sometimes focused more on structures than the quality of the pitch.
According to him, understanding the playing surface, including ball speed, rebound and acceleration, is an important part of modern football preparation.
Adeleke disclosed that engineers who worked on pitches in Côte d’Ivoire had been brought in to contribute to the Lagos projects.
The delegation also inspected a newly completed stadium at Gbagada, a community sports complex featuring an artificial turf, and Agege Stadium.
Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd has also completed similar projects in Ketu, Ikorodu, Agege, Epe and Badagry.
Meanwhile, Lagos Sports Commission Public Relations Officer Hassan Jamiu said the state government was constructing more sporting facilities across local councils to provide youths with productive activities and opportunities.
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