The Nigeria Premier Football League has added the Bako Kantagora Stadium in Minna to its growing ban list after declaring the venue unfit to host top flight matches, forcing Niger Tornadoes to relocate their home fixtures for the remainder of the season, PUNCH Sports Extra.
In a letter dated January 30, 2026, and signed by the league’s chief operating officer Davidson Owumi, the NPFL informed Niger Tornadoes that the decision followed recent broadcast and television rights agreements which now require match venues to meet higher technical and infrastructural standards.
The league stated that the Bako Kantagora Stadium no longer satisfies the requirements needed to stage league fixtures under the new broadcast framework, prompting the directive for the club to immediately identify an alternative home ground.
Niger Tornadoes have been asked to choose between the Rasheed Yekini Main Bowl in Ilorin and the Jos Zaria Road Stadium, with a deadline of close of business on Monday, to formally communicate their preference to the NPFL secretariat.
The league warned that failure to respond within the stipulated timeframe would result in the NPFL allocating a venue on the club’s behalf.
Despite the ban, Tornadoes are still expected to host their matchday 24 fixture against Bendel Insurance at the Kantagora venue due to the short notice of the directive, with the relocation taking effect from subsequent home matches.
The decision follows sustained criticism of the stadium’s condition from visiting teams this season, with Ikorodu City among the clubs that had publicly raised concerns over the quality of the playing surface and facilities.
The Kantagora ruling comes shortly after the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan was also barred from hosting NPFL matches on similar grounds, highlighting the league’s renewed push to enforce minimum venue standards in line with its broadcast commitments and wider rebranding efforts.
Several clubs have been affected by venue related restrictions this season, with Katsina United recently forced to play home matches in Kano away from the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium, while defending champions Remo Stars are serving a five game home ban away from Ikenne over fan violent, currently in Ibadan but to be continued in Akure.
Enyimba are also under sanction, with the Aba based club ordered to play matches behind closed doors at the Enyimba International Stadium following disciplinary action by the league.
Niger Tornadoes are expected to confirm their temporary home venue ahead of their next scheduled NPFL fixture as the list of affected stadiums across the league continues to grow.
Read the full article here
