In 1960, it was recorded that the liberty stadium in Ibadan is the first stadium to be built in Africa and in Nigeria, it was founded by chief Obafemi Awolowo which was reinstated in Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. Many questions have been ask over the who built the first stadium in Africa?, Where is Liberty Stadium located?.
According to Wikipedia, The stadium receive insight from the premier of western region leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo during his tenure at that time. Chief Obafemi Awolowo laid the foundation of the stadium which race high the peak of global development of football event in Africa. The infrastructure and institution behind the stadium was know to be Chief Obafemi Awolowo ideas.
The stadium was named after the premier western region leader Chief Obafemi Awolowo to honour the New Nigeria Independence in 1960 and the start of good footballing in Africa.
The stadium was in standard shape with FIFA standout protocols as at that time, with many other facilities such as standard swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball court, basketball court, sport hall and many more.
This stadium becomes a centre of attraction to all football player as they dream of playing at the stadium one day. So many international matches have been hosted in this stadium which has bring more dignity and pride to the stadium.
In 1980, the famous Africa Nations cup hosted by Nigeria, was played in this stadium at the quarter final stage and final match of the tournament.
The 1999 world youth Championship was hosted at the Liberty Stadium along side 8 other good stadium to run out the competition.
Also on the 10th of August 1963, the Liberty Stadium hosted the first ever boxing world fight in Africa, the middleweight challenge for the boxing belt came between Dick Tigers of Nigeria and Gene Fullmer of USA, this fight between the two boxers shows the world how far africa culture, economical growth, regional power can be so powerful and usefulness in Africa territory.
After many years, the stadium was neglected and unkempt as it went from the pinnacle to an eyesore Stadium. But later caught the attention of the Federal government as they plan to redevelop the stadium.
The Liberty Stadium was later renamed to Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in the year 2015 by the President of Nigeria Goodluck Ebele Jonathan in his administration, and they promised to start a redevelopmental work in the Stadium starting from the roof, the turf, tartan track, the grass, dressing rooms and many other part of the stadium.
The Obafemi Awolowo Stadium has a 35,000 seater capacity and is located at Liberty road along ring road Ibadan, Oyo state, Nigeria. After the whole promised in 2015, we are yet to see a redevelopment carried out at the Liberty Stadium till date.
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