NPFL bans Minna Stadium, moves Tornadoes’ matches to Lafia

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), yesterday, announced that it has withdrawn the provisional approval given the Bako Konragora Stadium, the home ground of Niger Tornadoes, adding that the club has, in effect, chosen the Lafia Township Stadium for the rest of its home games this season.

The NPFL had also ruled that the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna, earlier adopted by Tornadoes, saying that it is not fit to host league matches.In a letter dated February 19, 2025, the NPFL cited the requirements of club licensing infrastructure criteria.

According to NPFL, Tornadoes in their response to the decision acknowledged the unsatisfactory conditions of the two stadiums and nominated the stadium in Nasarawa State.

“I would like to inform you that we have selected Lafia Township Stadium in Lafia, Nasarawa State, as our designated home ground. This stadium is among those approved by the NPFL board for hosting our home matches,” the club’s secretary, Jibrin Haruna, said.  He promised that the club would work to mitigate the conditions of the Minna Stadium to enable them to return to their home fans.

“The Niger State government has commenced maintenance work through a reputable company to ensure that within two weeks the   Bako Kontagora Memorial Stadium, Minna, meets all the criteria necessary for hosting NPFL matches,” Jibrin stated.

Speaking on league facilities, NPFL Chairman, Gbenga Elegbeleye, noted that the body will continue to monitor all grounds to ensure that those whose conditions fall short of requirements are delisted from approved grounds.

“We have a monitoring mechanism to check that clubs conform to our rules, especially as it relates to television-friendly grounds,” Elegbeleye said.
Lobi Stars is another club that was axed from their home ground for failure to meet the club licensing infrastructure criteria