Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi and Borussia Dortmund’s Karim Adeyemi have teamed up to uplift the Maracanã Stadium in the Ajegunle area of Lagos State, Soccernet.ng reports.
Adeyemi, born to Nigerian parents, plays international football for Germany and was in the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Despite his football allegiance to the former European and world champions, Adeyemi remains connected to his Nigerian roots.
The exciting winger, who has never hidden his love for fufu, is becoming fond of spending his holiday in Nigeria.
His collaboration with Ndidi is Adeyemi's latest move towards giving back to his father's country of birth.
Ndidi, in an Instagram post, expressed his joy in joining hands with Adeyemi for the Maracana Stadium initiative in Lagos.
The Super Eagles midfielder and Adeyemi have donated two residential buildings bearing their names, each housing 96 fully air-conditioned beds.
The buildings will also enjoy a 24-hour power supply with solar backup, access to treated water, modern shower facilities, and well-appointed changing rooms.
Ndidi revealed that a high-powered delegation that included the Nigerian Sports Minister Senator John Enoh, HRM Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iru Land, and Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA Chairman Fatai Ayoola visited the facilities on October 21st.
“I am very proud to be part of this journey and very grateful to Nigeria for supporting my sports development,” he wrote.
“On October 21st, the Maracana Stadium in Ajegunle welcomed a special visit from Nigerian Sports Minister Senator John Enoh, HRM Abdulwasiu Omogbolahan Lawal, Oniru of Iru Land, and Ajeromi Ifelodun LGA Chairman Fatai Ayoola. They toured the new facilities donated by myself and Karim Adeyemi.
“They were impressed by the two residential buildings named after myself and Karim Adeyemi, each housing 96 fully air-conditioned beds, 24-hour power and solar backup, treated water supply, and top-notch shower and changing rooms.
“It was an honor to have the Minister share his vision for youth sports development in Nigeria with us. The day ended with an 11-a-side football match in honor of the Minister.
“Want to give my thanks for the support and belief in our vision for sports in Nigeria!”
The Nathaniel Idowu Foundation spearheaded the transformation of the sports complex, with Yemi Idowu, the foundation's president, underscoring the vital role of the facility in addressing social challenges within the community and the state.
The renovated stadium encompasses 18 football pitches alongside accommodations for athletes.
Recognized as a homage to Rio de Janeiro's renowned Maracana Stadium in Brazil, the Maracana Stadium Ajegunle has nurtured various international talents, including prominent figures like Odion Ighalo and Taribo West.
Highly commendable. Thank you so much Wilfred Ndidi & Karim Adeyemi. Lets hope that the Managers of the facility would propagate the visión and put their all into keeping the place well maintained.