(DDM) – Burkina Faso has officially reopened its national stadium in Ouagadougou, ending a four-year closure that kept the venue silent from international football action.
DDM gathered that the grand reopening drew an impressive line-up of African football legends, including Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o and Rigobert Song, Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor, and Nigeria’s Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha.
The stadium, once a source of national pride, was initially shut down after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) declared it unfit for hosting international matches.
CAF cited substandard facilities, safety concerns, and outdated infrastructure as reasons for its decision, forcing Burkina Faso to play “home” fixtures abroad.
The closure not only affected the country’s senior national team, the Stallions, but also deprived local fans of the electric atmosphere of live competitive matches.
For four years, Burkina Faso’s football authorities faced mounting pressure to upgrade the venue to meet international standards set by both CAF and FIFA.
The government eventually embarked on a massive $300 million renovation project to transform the stadium into a modern sports arena.
The overhaul included the installation of new seating, improved pitch quality, upgraded floodlighting, and enhanced security systems.
Additional work covered state-of-the-art locker rooms, expanded VIP and media facilities, and advanced medical and doping control rooms in line with FIFA requirements.
During the reopening ceremony, fans erupted in cheers as the football legends took to the pitch for an exhibition match to mark the historic occasion.
Cameroon FA President Samuel Eto’o praised the transformation, describing it as “a victory for African football and for Burkina Faso’s sports development.”
Former Nigerian captain Jay Jay Okocha lauded the investment, noting that modern stadiums are crucial for nurturing local talent and hosting top-tier competitions.
Togo’s Emmanuel Adebayor urged young Burkinabé players to draw inspiration from the improved facility, emphasizing discipline, commitment, and hard work.
Burkina Faso’s Sports Minister said the renovated stadium would not only host football matches but also be used for athletics, concerts, and other large-scale events.
The return of international football to Ouagadougou is expected to boost the local economy, create jobs, and revive tourism linked to sporting events.
With CAF and FIFA now giving the green light, Burkina Faso can resume hosting major tournaments and qualifiers on home soil.
The Stallions’ first official match in the reopened stadium is scheduled for later this year, with expectations of a full-capacity crowd.
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