August 26, (THEWILL) – The recent lifting of the stadium ban on Brazzaville, Congo, allowing the nation to host its 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against South Sudan, is a reminder of the pervasive infrastructural challenges that African football faces. This is not an isolated case, as similar situations affect numerous countries across the continent. From the Comoros Islands losing their right to host games due to inadequate stadiums to Kenya and Zimbabwe being compelled to hold their matches in foreign nations, the issue is widespread and deeply rooted in broader infrastructural inadequacies.
The infrastructural problems in African football can be traced back to several interconnected factors, including economic constraints, poor governance, and the legacy of colonialism. Many African nations have struggled with economic instability, limiting their ability to invest in and maintain sports facilities. Additionally, corruption and mismanagement of funds within football federations have often led to inadequate investment in infrastructure, with funds meant for development being diverted elsewhere.
The situation in Congo is indicative of a broader trend across the continent. Many stadiums in Africa are either outdated or not maintained to the required standards, resulting in bans and sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF). For example, the Comoros Islands were recently forced to move their home games to Morocco because their stadiums did not meet the necessary requirements. Similarly, Kenya and Zimbabwe are among the countries that have had to host their home games abroad due to the unavailability of suitable venues.
Fortunately, Nigeria has avoided stadium bans for international matches by ensuring that its key stadiums meet the Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards. The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), in collaboration with the federal government and private sector partners, has focused on ensuring that stadiums like the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja and the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo remain available for these games. Regular inspections, periodic renovations, and strategic use of multiple venues have also played crucial roles in keeping these facilities compliant with international requirements.
The involvement of the Nigerian government and private sector partnerships, such as the Dangote Group’s participation in stadium rehabilitation projects, has provided the necessary resources and expertise to maintain high standards. By adhering strictly to CAF guidelines and employing a proactive approach to stadium management, Nigeria has successfully avoided the penalties and bans that have affected other African countries, ensuring that it can continue to host international football matches on home soil.
Yet, the economic implications of these infrastructural challenges are significant. The inability to host games domestically not only affects the morale of the teams and their supporters but also leads to lost revenue. Hosting international matches generates significant income from ticket sales, tourism, and local business activities. When these matches are moved to other countries, the host nation loses out on these economic benefits.
Furthermore, the lack of proper infrastructure hampers the development of football at the grassroots level. Young players are denied the opportunity to train and play in proper facilities, limiting their growth and the potential for discovering new talent. This, in turn, affects the overall quality of football in the country, making it difficult for African teams to compete on the global stage.
Governance plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. Unfortunately, many African football Federations suffer from poor governance, with corruption and mismanagement being rampant. Funds allocated for infrastructural development are often misappropriated, leaving stadiums in a state of disrepair. The lack of transparency and accountability within these organisations further exacerbates the problem, making it difficult to implement effective solutions.
Additionally, the relationship between national governments and football federations is often strained. In many cases, governments have been reluctant to invest in sports infrastructure, viewing it as a low priority compared to other pressing needs. This lack of investment from both public and private sectors has left many African nations ill-equipped to host international matches or develop their football programs.
The solution to these challenges lies in a combination of better governance, strategic investment, and regional cooperation. Some practical and cost-effective measures that can be implemented to address the infrastructural deficit in African football include enhanced governance and transparency. Football federations are expected to prioritise transparency and accountability in their operations. This includes proper management of funds allocated for infrastructure development and regular audits to ensure that resources are being used effectively. Implementing governance reforms, such as independent oversight bodies, can help curb corruption and ensure that funds are used for their intended purpose.
Furthermore, public-private partnerships can help in this regard. Governments should explore partnerships with private investors to fund the construction and maintenance of sports facilities. These partnerships can provide the necessary capital for infrastructure projects while allowing private companies to benefit from the commercial opportunities associated with sports. For instance, stadiums can be leased to private entities for events, concerts, and other activities, generating additional revenue for maintenance and upgrades.
There is also the advantage of regional collaboration. African countries can benefit from regional collaboration in infrastructure development. Neighbouring countries could share resources to build and maintain high-quality stadiums that meet international standards. This approach could be particularly beneficial for smaller nations with limited financial resources. Regional bodies, such as the African Union (AU) and CAF, can play a coordinating role in facilitating such collaborations.
A key factor in this issue is the need for continued investment in grassroots development. Developing football infrastructure at the grassroots level is crucial for the long-term growth of the sport. Governments and football federations should focus on building and maintaining training facilities for young players. This investment will not only help in nurturing talent but also create a pipeline of skilled players who can compete at the highest levels.
In addition to that, African nations must find a way to leverage technology to find solutions to their sport impediments.Modern technology can play a significant role in reducing costs associated with infrastructure development. For example, modular stadium designs and pre-fabricated structures can be used to build high-quality facilities at a fraction of the cost of traditional construction methods. Additionally, the use of renewable energy sources, such as solar power, can reduce the operational costs of maintaining sports facilities.
Whilst not a sustainable long-term option, international aid and support can be a way to temporarily hold the gap. African countries can seek international aid and support for infrastructure development with organisations such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) partnering in funding infrastructure projects across the continent. These institutions can provide the necessary financial and technical support to help African nations build and maintain world-class sports facilities while they build internal capacity.
The lifting of the stadium ban on Brazzaville is a positive step, but it is merely a temporary solution to a much larger problem. African football will continue to face infrastructural challenges until there is a concerted effort to address the root causes of these issues. By improving governance, fostering public-private partnerships, and investing in grassroots development, African nations can build the necessary infrastructure to support their football ambitions.
The road to sustainable infrastructural development in African football is long and challenging, but with the right strategies in place, it is possible to overcome these obstacles. African football federations must seize this opportunity to make meaningful changes that will benefit not only the sport but also the broader economy and society.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
