The Site Manager of SANA Group Limited, Engr. Yaser Alshamah, has assured that the ongoing roofing work at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu, will be completed before the commencement of the 2026 National Sports Festival, tagged “Coal City Games.”

Alshamah gave the assurance while speaking during an interview at the stadium, where he explained the progress of work and the company’s plan to meet the deadline ahead of the national sporting fiesta. Blueprint reports

According to him, the company has about three months to complete its assigned roofing works and is working with a detailed programme and schedule to ensure that the project is delivered on time.

“We have three months to complete the roofing of the stadium. We have no choice,” he said.

“Our scope is to roof some sections of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. We have a work programme and schedule. By the grace of God, Insha Allah, and with the support of everyone, we will complete the aluminium sheet roofing on time.”

Contractor confident of meeting deadline

The assurance comes at a crucial period in the preparations for the 23rd National Sports Festival, which will bring together athletes from the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory for the multi-sport competition in Enugu.

With the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium expected to be one of the major venues for the Games, the completion of the roofing works is considered important to the overall readiness of the facility.

Alshamah said SANA Group Limited was conscious of the importance of the project and would continue working according to the agreed timeframe.

He explained that the company had developed a work plan that would guide the different stages of the roofing project, adding that the target remained to complete the assignment before the athletes and officials arrive for the Games.

The site manager also appealed for continued cooperation and support from relevant stakeholders, saying such collaboration would help the company achieve its objective within the available period.

Why stadium structure is circular

Alshamah also provided an explanation of the design of the stadium, particularly the circular structure incorporated into the roofing and front sections of the facility.

Responding to questions about the shape of the stadium, he explained that the circular design was necessary for the overall architectural concept of the structure.

“It is necessary for the stadium to be round. If it is not round, something is wrong. The front has to be round,” he stated.

He said the ongoing roofing works were being executed in line with the design specifications, with the construction team focused on ensuring that the structural components were properly positioned before the aluminium sheets are installed.

The explanation comes amid the visible transformation taking place at the stadium as construction workers continue to put in place the structural elements required to support the new roofing system.

Foundation work progresses

Also speaking on the progress of the project, the Site Agent, Engr. Emezie Ikeanyionwu, disclosed that workers were currently concentrating on the foundation columns that would support the canopy for the umbrella roofing of the stadium.

He explained that the reinforced foundation layouts being constructed would provide the structural support required for the canopy and the roofing system.

“We are working according to the timeframe and schedule. These are the reinforced foundation layouts that will carry the canopy of the stadium,” Ikeanyionwu said.

The site agent’s explanation highlighted the importance of the foundation work to the overall roofing project, as the strength and positioning of the columns would determine the stability of the canopy structure.

He said the construction team was progressing according to the established schedule and would continue with the various stages of the project until the roofing assignment is completed.

Stadium central to Coal City Games

The Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium remains one of the key sporting facilities in Enugu and is expected to play an important role when the state hosts the National Sports Festival.

The Coal City Games is expected to attract athletes, coaches, technical officials, sports administrators, journalists and spectators from across the country, placing significant attention on the readiness of the host state’s sporting infrastructure.

For the organisers, ensuring that major facilities are ready before the opening of the Games is critical to providing a smooth experience for athletes and other participants.

The ongoing roofing work is therefore being closely watched as part of the broader preparations for the festival.

The contractor’s assurance that the project will be completed before the Games is expected to ease concerns over the readiness of the stadium, particularly as the event draws closer.

Preparations gather momentum

The development at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is coming as preparations for the Coal City Games continue to intensify across Enugu State.

Beyond sporting venues, the hosting of a major national event of this magnitude requires adequate arrangements for accommodation, transportation, security, medical services, media operations and other logistics.

The state government and the Main Organising Committee are expected to continue working with contractors and other stakeholders to ensure that facilities are delivered within schedule.

For SANA Group Limited, the immediate priority remains the completion of its assigned roofing works.

Alshamah said the company was determined to deliver on its responsibility and ensure that the stadium is ready to serve its purpose when athletes converge on Enugu for the festival.

With about three months available to complete the roofing assignment, the contractor’s commitment and the pace of work at the site will remain critical to determining whether the facility meets the expected deadline.

As Enugu prepares to welcome Nigeria’s sporting community, stakeholders will be hoping that the ongoing construction works remain on schedule and that the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium is delivered in a condition worthy of hosting the nation’s biggest multi-sport festival.