By Ruth Dave Williams 

The Super Eagles' possible return should be the beginning of a sporting renaissance in Surulere.

As someone who deeply cares about football development and the restoration of Lagos to its rightful place on Nigeria's sporting map, I am excited by the possibility of the Super Eagles returning to Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere.

For those of us who appreciate Lagos's rich sporting heritage, the prospect of welcoming our national team back is more than just another football fixture. It represents an opportunity to revive a proud tradition and restore confidence in the city's capacity to host international football.

However, beyond the excitement, I believe one important question deserves our attention: Are we preparing only the stadium, or are we preparing the entire environment required to host international football?

In my view, securing CAF approval for Teslim Balogun Stadium should involve more than upgrading the main pitch, dressing rooms and spectator facilities. Adequate training infrastructure must also form part of the plan.

International teams require suitable training grounds to prepare for matches under conditions that meet the relevant technical standards. These facilities should have appropriate playing surfaces, effective drainage, reliable irrigation where necessary, adequate dimensions and essential player amenities.

Without proper planning for these supporting facilities, our efforts to bring international football back to Lagos could fall short of their full potential.

TWO FACILITIES THAT DESERVE ATTENTION

1. Eagle Club Ground, Adeniran Ogunsanya Street, Surulere

The Eagle Club Ground deserves serious consideration as a potential auxiliary training facility for Teslim Balogun Stadium.

With investment in the playing surface, drainage, irrigation, changing rooms, security and grounds management, the facility could become a valuable asset for visiting teams and local football development.

Its potential should be assessed by technical experts to determine the upgrades required to meet the applicable standards for international training.

2. Hockey Pitch, National Stadium, Surulere

The hockey pitch within the National Stadium complex is another facility worth examining.

Subject to a professional feasibility study, it could potentially be adapted to provide additional football training space. Any proposed conversion must consider the facility's suitability, the technical requirements of football and the continued development needs of hockey.

The objective should be to maximise the value of Surulere's existing sporting infrastructure while respecting the needs of other sports.

LET US BUILD A FOOTBALL DESTINATION, NOT JUST A MATCH VENUE

Surulere occupies a special place in Nigeria's sporting history. The National Stadium once symbolised our national sporting ambitions, bringing together athletes, supporters and communities through a shared passion for excellence.

It is therefore difficult to ignore the need to restore the area to the prominence it once enjoyed.

The renovation of Teslim Balogun Stadium presents an opportunity to do more than prepare for one international fixture. Lagos can use this moment to develop an integrated sporting environment that supports national teams, local clubs, grassroots football and future international competitions.

Imagine Teslim Balogun Stadium supported by quality training grounds, modern facilities and efficient arrangements for visiting teams. Such an investment would strengthen Lagos's ability to host international football while creating opportunities for young players, sports professionals and local businesses.

This is the bigger picture we must not lose sight of.

I therefore urge the Lagos State Government, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the relevant sports authorities to work together on a comprehensive assessment of the available facilities in Surulere.

The Eagle Club Ground and the hockey pitch at the National Stadium should be evaluated for their suitability, the cost of necessary improvements and their potential roles in supporting Teslim Balogun Stadium.

This assessment should take place alongside preparations for the main stadium's inspection. All facilities intended for international use must satisfy the applicable technical requirements, with final approval resting with the relevant football authorities.

A CHANCE TO RECLAIM OUR SPORTING GLORY

My concern is simple: we should not bring international football back to Lagos only to discover that we have overlooked the infrastructure needed to support it.

I want to see the Super Eagles return to Surulere to the excitement of thousands of football supporters. I want Lagos to once again become a destination for major football events. Above all, I want the next generation to inherit sporting facilities that reflect our history and ambitions.

We have the football culture, the passionate supporters and the heritage. Now we must match these strengths with careful planning, investment and a commitment to maintaining what we build.

The possible return of the Super Eagles is an opportunity to begin that journey.

Let us renovate Teslim Balogun Stadium, assess and upgrade suitable auxiliary training facilities, and create an environment capable of serving Nigerian football for years to come.

Lagos deserves another golden age of football. Surulere deserves its sporting glory back. And this opportunity deserves more than a quick renovation; it deserves a lasting vision.

Let the return of the Super Eagles be more than a football match. Let it be the beginning of a genuine sporting renaissance in Lagos.