Iconic Surulere sports complex gets FIFA-standard natural-grass pitch, new athletics track and upgraded indoor facilities
The Lagos State Government is undertaking a major rehabilitation of the historic Teslim Balogun Stadium in Surulere, with the facility being repositioned for major sporting events and a return to full-scale sporting activity.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu recently inspected the ongoing rehabilitation works at the stadium as Lagos intensifies preparations for the inaugural National Intermediate Games, EKO 2026, scheduled for October 1 to 15.
One of the major developments is the completion of a new natural-grass football pitch, which the governor said had been upgraded to FIFA standards.
Work is also ongoing on a new tartan athletics track, while the indoor sports hall, swimming pool and other facilities within the complex are being rehabilitated.
The Lagos State Government’s 2026 budget specifically provides for the renovation and completion of Teslim Balogun Stadium, including work on the playing surface, indoor sports hall, electronic scoreboard, floodlights, CCTV cameras and VIP and VVIP stands.
Sanwo-Olu said the rehabilitation of the stadium forms part of a wider programme by his administration to rebuild and upgrade sporting infrastructure across Lagos.
The governor said the state had been rebuilding sports facilities over the past three years in areas including Surulere, Ikorodu, Epe, Agege and Badagry, with the aim of bringing quality sporting facilities closer to young people.
Teslim Balogun Stadium is expected to play a role in EKO 2026, the first National Intermediate Games organised as a pathway for identifying and developing young Nigerian athletes before they progress into elite competition.
The official EKO 2026 venue plan lists Teslim Balogun Stadium for badminton, para-badminton, deaf badminton, table tennis, para-table tennis, deaf table tennis and volleyball, while the stadium is also designated for the opening and closing ceremonies.
The Games will bring together delegations representing all 36 states, the Federal Capital Territory and eligible Nigerian athletes from the diaspora.
With the rehabilitation of Teslim Balogun Stadium gathering pace, the historic Surulere venue is once again being prepared to serve as a major sporting centre in Lagos.
The redevelopment could also strengthen the stadium’s prospects of hosting higher-profile football fixtures in the future, although any return of the Super Eagles to the venue would depend on the relevant football authorities and future fixture decisions.
