In line with its vision to drive grassroots sports development and promote talent discovery, Tripple 44 Football Academy has proposed a strategic collaboration with the National Sports Commission (NSC) to transform a neglected portion of Liberty Stadium, Ibadan, into a modern sports facility. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to enhancing Nigeria’s sports infrastructure and empowering the nation’s football potential.
Under the leadership of Shehu Dikko, the NSC has been steadfast in its resolve to upgrade existing sporting facilities while promoting private-sector involvement. Tripple 44 Academy, spearheaded by its CEO Olatunji Okuku, has taken bold steps to align with this mission by presenting a proposal that will see the transformation of an underutilised “refuse dump site” into a top-class and standard football facility through a build-and-donate arrangement.
The proposed project includes the development of a high-standard 11-a-side football pitch, and a 7-a-side mini-pitch for training and grassroots engagements.
In a statement following strategic discussions with the NSC Chairman, Okuku explained the motivation behind the project.
“We saw immense potential in this site, which has been lying fallow and, at one point, became a hideout for kidnappers,” he said. “This facility will be a game-changer for grassroots football in Ibadan and across Nigeria. Our aim is to build a standard football pitch and mini-training ground, complete with stands, which will serve both the public and our academy’s needs. This is about giving back and creating an environment where young talents can flourish.”
The collaboration highlights Tripple 44 Academy’s commitment to complementing the efforts of the NSC in fostering football development through strategic private-sector investment. By repurposing an underutilised space, the Academy aims to create a modern facility that supports talent discovery, grassroots engagement, and community development, aligning with the NSC’s broader vision of enhancing sports infrastructure across Nigeria.
Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, applauded the initiative, stating: “We are committed to sparking a sports infrastructure revolution across the country. This partnership with Tripple 44 Academy aligns with our broader vision of ensuring our facilities are not only functional but maintained to global standards. Talents can only be discovered and nurtured if the right infrastructure exists.”
Dikko further stressed the need for public-private partnerships to bridge the infrastructure deficit, adding that such collaborations will help reduce dependency on government funding.
For Tripple 44 Academy, this project represents more than just facility development; it is a step toward realizing Nigeria’s football potential on the global stage. Inspired by models in countries like Senegal and Morocco, the Academy believes deliberate investment in infrastructure will yield significant benefits for Nigerian football.
Upon approval, Tripple 44 Academy say they are ready to fully fund the project’s development and maintenance, ensuring the facilities meet modern standards and serve as a benchmark for grassroots sports in Nigeria.
By converting a previously neglected dump site into a football hub, this build-and-donate arrangement exemplifies the impact of strategic partnerships in transforming Nigeria’s sports landscape.
This collaboration signifies a transformational milestone in the journey toward revitalizing Nigerian sports, fostering youth development, and showcasing Nigeria’s immense football talent.
