Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium
Multi-use stadium in Nigeria
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Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Bauchi, Nigeria. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of the Wikki Tourists. The stadium has a capacity of 15,000 and was opened in 1985[1] and named after Nigeria's first prime minister, Tafawa Balewa.[2][3] In 2024, the Bauchi State Government announced plans to remodel the stadium to a 30,000-capacity venue in partnership with private investors.[4]
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium Bauchi Entry Gate | |
 Interactive map of Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium | |
| Location | Bauchi |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 10.3199°N 9.8356°E |
| Capacity | 15,000 |
| Construction | |
| Opened | 1985 |
| Tenant | |
| Wikki Tourists | |
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium was one of the 8 venues used for the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup held in Nigeria, hosting 3 matches.[5] Its first game at the tournament between Nigeria and Argentina at the group stage recorded an attendance of 11,467 people.[6]
Distinguishing features of the stadium include a world-class FIFA standard scoreboard, LED display and energy saving floodlights, closed-circuit television (CCTV) for security surveillance, and an ultra-modern media centre. It also houses an Olympic-size 10-lane swimming pool.[7][8]
Notable matches
1999 FIFA World Youth Championship
| Date | Team 1 | Result | Team 2 | Attendance | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 April 1999 |  Japan | 3–1 |  United States | 9,000 | Group E |
| 11 April 1999 |  Cameroon | 1–3 | United States | ||
| Japan | 2–0 |  England | |||
| 15 April 1999 | Japan | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–4 p) |  Portugal | 8,000 | Round of 16 |
2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup
| Date | Team 1 | Result | Team 2 | Attendance | Round |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 October 2009 |  Argentina | 1–2 |  Nigeria | 11,467 | Group A |
| 5 November 2009 |  Mexico | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (3–5 p) |  South Korea | 11,589 | Round of 16 |
| 8 November 2009 |  Colombia | 1–1 (a.e.t.) (5–3 p) |  Turkey | 11,532 | Quarter-final |