SWAN Chairman Urges Abia Govt to Install Synthetic Pitch at Umuahia Township Stadium

UMUAHIA — The Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Abia State Chapter, Mr. Kingsley Okwum, has called on the Abia State Government to install a modern synthetic pitch at the Umuahia Township Stadium as part of the ongoing renovation.
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‎Okwum said a synthetic surface is the best long-term solution for the facility, which has been the major challenge preventing Abia Warriors FC from using the stadium as a permanent home ground.
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‎Speaking on the project, he noted that Abia Warriors has endured difficult seasons playing home matches away from Umuahia, a development he said has affected the team’s performance and denied supporters the chance to watch their club at home.
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‎“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,” Okwum said.
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‎“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,” he added.
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‎The SWAN Chairman cited the synthetic pitch at Enyimba International Stadium, which he said has remained in excellent condition for years, as proof that investing in quality infrastructure delivers long-term value.
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‎While some stakeholders have suggested retaining natural grass because the stadium is also used by athletes from other sports, Okwum said government should develop alternative facilities for them.
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‎“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 said.
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‎He further argued that a synthetic pitch is better suited for the Umuahia Township Stadium, which hosts football matches, political rallies, religious programmes, cultural festivals, and entertainment events.
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‎Okwum urged the state government to use the ongoing renovation as an opportunity to make a lasting investment that will benefit Abia Warriors, sports enthusiasts, and future generations, while also reducing maintenance costs.