The ongoing rehabilitation of the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere has renewed hopes that the Super Eagles could eventually return to Lagos for international fixtures, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Lagos State-owned stadium is undergoing significant upgrades as the state prepares to host the National Intermediate Sports Festival, EKO 2026, scheduled for October 1 to 15.
Several areas of the historic venue have already undergone major changes, including the replacement of the old playing surface with natural grass.
The spectator stands have also been fitted with new plastic seats, while extensive painting has given the stadium a considerably improved appearance.
Work is still ongoing on the tartan athletics track and other parts of the facility, with the stadium set to host both the opening and closing ceremonies of EKO 2026.
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently inspected the project and confirmed that significant progress had been made on the rehabilitation.
The renovation is not limited to the main stadium, with improvement works also being carried out at the indoor sports hall, swimming pool, floodlights, electronic scoreboard and VIP and VVIP facilities.
The upgrades have consequently sparked speculation over a possible return of the Super Eagles to the venue for future home matches.
Nigeria last played at Teslim Balogun Stadium in March 2021, when the Super Eagles defeated Lesotho 3-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture.
Since then, Nigeria have used several venues across the country for their home matches, with the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo becoming one of the team’s regular bases.
There is currently no official confirmation that any of the Super Eagles’ upcoming fixtures will be moved to Lagos.
However, the rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium could improve the state’s prospects of hosting international football again if the completed facilities satisfy the relevant standards for major matches.
With EKO 2026 providing the immediate deadline for the project, attention will now focus on the completion of the remaining work and whether the renovated Teslim Balogun Stadium can eventually reclaim its place as one of the venues for Nigeria’s senior national team.