Teslim Balogun Stadium

The Teslim Balogun Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Surulere, Lagos, Nigeria. It is used mostly for football matches and serves as a home ground of First Bank FC. The Nigeria national rugby league team also use the venue.[1] The stadium has a capacity of 24,325 people, and is sometimes used for international football matches.[2] It once served as the venue for the Nigerian Cup final, just before it hosted some matches in the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup youth tournament held in Nigeria. It sits adjacent to the Lagos National Stadium.[3][4][5]

Teslim Balogun Stadium
Aerial view of the stadium
Full nameTeslim Balogun Stadium
LocationLagos
Capacity24,325
SurfaceGrass
Construction
Opened1984
ArchitectSPartner (Germany)chlaich Bergermann &
Tenants
Nigeria national football team
Vandrezzer FC

Overview

It is named after former professional footballer Teslim Balogun.

The stadium is located directly opposite the multipurpose National Stadium.

Started in 1984 under the administration of military governor Gbolahan Mudasiru, construction continually stalled under military regimes and the stadium became a white elephant. By the time the stadium was completed in 2007, it had taken 23 years to build and cost over N1.3 billion.

As recently as 2006, it was occupied by homeless people and area boys.

The first event held in the stadium was the 18th Mobil Track and Field Athletics Championship on 17 May. The first football game was an international friendly on 28 May between Enyimba and Asante Kotoko. The stadium also hosted the Nigeria Premier League Super Four playoff that season and the Nigerian FA Cup final in 2007. The final of the 2009 Federation Cup between Enyimba and Sharks was held at the stadium.

Lagos State Commissioner for Youth Sports and Social Development, Prince Ademola Adeniji-Adele disclosed at the FIFA Media Briefing Room of the Teslim Balogun Stadium on 18 May 2009 on the preparations for FIFA U-17 World Cup that "with a FIFA Star Two artificial turf, FIFA Grade seats with back rest, a seating capacity of 24,325, a 70 kVA electricity generating set for the digital scoreboard, state of art changing room for athletes and officials, security gadgets with CCTV cameras, a 1,000 kVA and 500 kVA generating sets and other standard facilities, I know we are set to host a successful championship."

The Teslim Balogun stadium was also the main venue of the 18th National Sports festival in December 2012.[6][7]

With 114 gold, 99 silver, and 75 bronze medals, Delta took the top spot on the medal stand and emerge winners of the 18th National sport Festival.[8]

In 2018, during the Nigerian Independence day (1 October 2018); The Crawford Age grade competition[9] was held at the Olympic Standard swimming pool of the stadium.

Eyo Festival, Teslim Balogun Stadium, 2011

Architecture

The stadium was designed by Nigerian Architect O.C. Majoroh of Majoroh Partnership.

Notable football matches

2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
DateTeam 1ResultTeam 2AttendanceRound
24 October 2009 Mexico0–2  Switzerland9,870Group B
 Brazil3–2 Japan15,254
27 October 2009  Switzerland4–39,920
 Brazil0–1 Mexico21,115
30 October 2009 Japan0–217,105
4 November 2009  Switzerland4–3 (a.e.t.) Germany15,515Round of 16
12 November 2009 Colombia0–4  Switzerland18,011Semi-finals
 Spain1–3 Nigeria24,000

References
  1. http://rlif.com/match_preview/RLIF7180501
  2. "Despite fear of 'structural defect,' Teslim Balogun Stadium goes all-covered". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. 7 May 2022. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  3. Aiyejina, Tana (24 April 2023). "Lagos stadium: From West Africa's best to national shame". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  4. Igwe, Chidi (15 December 2021). "Teslim Balogun Stadium gets new facilities, including hospitality suite". Voice of Nigeria. Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  5. TVCN (27 September 2018). "Work begins on new grass pitch at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos - Trending News". Retrieved 8 October 2023.
  6. "Eko 2012:18th National Sports Festival kicks off today | Channels Television". www.channelstv.com. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  7. "National Sports Festival: Only 12 states have so far declared interest". Premium Times Nigeria. 21 April 2012. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  8. Emmanuel, Ogala (9 December 2012). "Eko 2012: National Sports Festival ends". Premium Times Nigeria. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  9. "Crawford Age grade Swimming Competition in Nigeria".

6°29′58″N 3°21′39″E

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