SWAN Chairman Advocates long-term solution for Umuahia Township Stadium pitch

By amaechi Agbo

The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Abia State Chapter, Mr. Kingsley Okwum, has appealed to the Abia State Government to consider installing a modern synthetic pitch at the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of the ongoing renovation, describing it as the best long-term solution for the facility.

Speaking on the project, Okwum said Abia Warriors FC has endured difficult seasons without a permanent home ground, forcing the club to play its home matches away from Umuahia. According to him, the arrangement has not only affected the team’s performance but has also denied supporters the opportunity to cheer their club on home soil.

Many loyal fans of Abia Warriors, including Kanu Okechukwu and Philip Okeoma, are looking forward to the club’s return to Umuahia. However, they believe the stadium should be equipped with a quality playing surface comparable to that of the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.

“They are tired of travelling to Aba to watch Abia Warriors play on one of the best pitches in the country, only to return to Umuahia and see the team struggle on a grass pitch that does not encourage free-flowing football,” Okwum said.

He noted that the synthetic pitch at the Enyimba International Stadium has remained in excellent condition for years, proving that investing in quality infrastructure delivers long-term value.

While some stakeholders have suggested retaining a natural grass pitch because the stadium is also used by athletes from other sports, Okwum believes that should not stand in the way of giving Abia Warriors a modern home ground.

“If the concern is where other sports will train, then the government should develop alternative facilities for them. A professional football club deserves a pitch that can withstand constant use and meet modern standards,” he added.

Okwum stressed that the Umuahia Township Stadium is one of the busiest public facilities in the state, hosting football matches, political rallies, religious programmes, cultural festivals, and entertainment events. He argued that a synthetic pitch is better suited to withstand such heavy usage while reducing maintenance costs.

He called on the Abia State Government to use the ongoing renovation as an opportunity to make a lasting investment by providing a world-class playing surface that will benefit Abia Warriors, sports enthusiasts, and future generations.

According to him, adopting a long-term solution now will save the state the cost of repeated repairs and ensure that Umuahia Township Stadium remains one of the leading sporting facilities in Nigeria.