The Confluence Stadium in Lokoja, once a pride of Kogi State, now lies in a state of disrepair and abandonment. Originally built under the leadership of Alhaji Ibrahim Idris and later completed by Capt Idris Wada, this multi-purpose facility, which cost taxpayers over a billion naira, has become a haunting reminder of lost potential.
With a seating capacity of 25,000, Confluence Stadium served as the home ground for Kogi United and Confluence Queens in the Nigeria National League. However, it has since fallen victim to neglect, attracting not only snakes and scorpions but also unsavory activities such as public sexual encounters.
Once a venue for significant state events and dignified games, the stadium was relegated to a temporary home for Niger Tornadoes during the 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League. Built in 1998 and upgraded in 2008, it now resembles a ghost town, plagued by vandalism and a lack of security.
As Kogi State struggles to make its mark in national football and sports, the Confluence Stadium remains a glaring example of the state’s failure to protect its assets. Revitalizing this facility could not only restore its former glory but also provide a platform for nurturing the sporting talents of local youth, ultimately creating opportunities for engagement and exposure in the world of sports. The time has come for the government to take action and breathe new life into this abandoned treasure.
