Most football clubs in Nigeria have stadiums owned by the State governments, which are the club's proprietors.
In a clime where private clubs find it hard to thrive, some teams have found a way to provide certain needs independently. A stadium is a big part of the club's identity but can be quite expensive to construct and maintain. Thus, Nigerian clubs have resorted to government-built infrastructures for their home ground.
Many private clubs like MFM, ABS of Ilorin, Abeokuta Stoners, Ijebu United, and Yarmalight use various stadiums across the country as home grounds, but here are some few that have self-built stadiums owned by the clubs.
- Remo Stars
Remo Stars Stadium, Ikenne
Capacity: 20,000
The team of the moment in the Nigeria Professional Football League has had a splendid start to the 2022 season of the league, but it has been a journey that took every little step.
When Kunle Soname set up Remo Stars, they moved from Lagos to Ogun state and played in Sagamu at the Sagamu International stadium close to the club's base in Ikenne, which is just ten minutes drive away.
The team also once used the Otunba Dipo Dina Stadium in Ijebu Ode, but has since built its own Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne.
The stadium is based in the Remo Stars sports complex that houses three other training pitches as well as training facilities beyond football. As of the time of filing this report, the club has completed certain sections of the stadium, but the capacity is unclear yet.
- Ifeanyi Ubah
Ifeanyi Ubah stadium, Nnewi
Capacity: 18,000
Before Remo Stars grew into the profile they have now, Ifeanyi Ubah FC looked like the pacesetter for private football clubs in the country for a very long time.
Owned by Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, the team is one of the richest football clubs in Nigeria.
Based in Anambra, the club has a self-built stadium which, albeit not completed, is fit for use, with some of the stands needing completion. The capacity is around 18,000 and has a natural grass pitch.
- Go Round FC
The Krisdera Hotel, Omoku
Capacity: 1000
With respect to the private clubs on this list, Go Round FC remains the oldest, having been in existence since 1994.
The Krisdera Hotel Stadium also has the smallest capacity of all the stadiums on the list with 1000 capacity and hosted NPFL matches when the team got promoted to the top flight.
- Enyimba
Enyimba International Stadium, Aba.
Capacity: 16,000
One of the best and biggest teams in the NPFL possesses its own home ground in the Aba Township Stadium, which underwent a massive renovation between 2018 and has one of the most modern stadium facilities in the country.
The 16,000 capacity has handled some of the biggest club football games on the continent, including back-to-back CAF Champions League wins as well as NPFL titles.