FIFA licensed football agent, Drew Uyi, has given an assessment appraisal of the ongoing renovation and remodeling works at the Warri City Stadium and came up with this verdict, that the Delta State government was doing something remarkable that will impact positively in the global repositioning of Nigeria in the global football map.
The London-based Drew Uyi, who flew into Waari after being invited by the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onos Oborevwori, on an inspection tour of the remodelled and revamped Warri Stadium for global visibility, was taken round the stadium facilities by project manager Engr. Femi James, accompanied by the Delta sports boss, with a horde of journalists in tow.
From the road leading to the stadium to the main bowl of the stadium, with a well trimmed and cultivated lush green pitch that was planted about four weeks ago by experts from Morocco, to the changing rooms of the playing teams, to the VIP lounge, the mixed zone, an expanded press arena, to the control room, waiting room to the training pitch and an indoor sports hall, under construction, the visiting Drew Uyi and his team, was taken through the whole hog by the Delta State Sports team, who seemed to had all areas well covered.
The project manager, Engr James said that the remodelling work of the Warri stadium started 11 months ago and the date for completion was set for the end of the year but that with the pace of work on ground that the project will be finished by mid- point of the year.
He added that the quality of work would make the Warri Stadium easily one of the best FIFA rated stadium in the country, stressing that, “indeed this stadium is going to be up there in terms of high rating because of all the procedures and standards followed”.
The project manager insisted that the Delta State government, through the Delta State Sports Commission has provided all the necessary funding and enabling environment to make the project seamless in terms of execution and operations, adding that the local community has been very receptive.
“The conditions here are very okay and we are on course to ensuring a smooth and timely construction of these facilities. The security network in the stadium is also extensive as the cameras can capture events and happenings 10km outside the stadium and there is even provision for an extension to 20km so that nothing is out of sight to those responsible for security”, said the project engineer of Peculiar Engineering.
In his first takes on the inspection tour, Drew Uyi gave a captivating summary of the visit of the Warri Stadium, which he noted was being handled masterly by the Delta State government, talking up the wide expanse of the road to stadium, the drainage facilities, spectator areas, security network, playing turf, press arena and other facilities were all aligned to ensure that the stadium meets FIFA standard and get to be used for matches of the Super Eagles and other national teams of Nigeria.
“This is a good work in progress, the commitment of the Delta State government to ensure that Warri stadium is positioned to attract FIFA and global visibility is very intentional and this vision aligns firmly with the positive and forward looking mindset of the government”.
Speaking further to reporters, Drew Uyi said, “today, I had a comprehensive inspection of Warri Stadium, in the company of Onos Oborevwori, Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, and site manager Femi James.
“Following a detailed assessment of the facility, we are pleased to confirm that the stadium pitch will meet FIFA standards and is in excellent playing condition. The surface quality, drainage system, and overall maintenance of the pitch were found to be of top international standard, making it suitable for high-level competitive football.
“In addition to the pitch, all critical infrastructure and supporting elements of the stadium were thoroughly evaluated. The inspection confirmed that spectator areas, team facilities, and operational systems are well-maintained and aligned with modern expectations. Notably, the security architecture and crowd control measures in place were assessed as highly effective, meeting best-practice standards and ensuring a safe environment for players, officials, and fans alike”, added Drew Uyi.
Speaking further after the inspection, the delegation expressed strong confidence in the stadium’s readiness to host top-tier matches and sporting events.
“The collaborative efforts of the Delta State Sports Commission and on-site management continue to position Warri Stadium as a key venue for football development and sporting excellence in Nigeria”.
Drew Uyi, who is also an international brand expert said this successful inspection underscores a shared commitment to maintaining world-class sports infrastructure and promoting the growth of football within the region.
