By Hassan Osman Kargbo
On February 25, 2022, the government launched an ambitious $40 million renovation project to transform Sierra Leone’s National Stadium into a world-class sporting facility. The project, heralded as a cornerstone for the development of sports in the country, was met with great fanfare and national pride. Three years later, however, the stadium remains an incomplete shell of its promise—leaving athletes, fans, and stakeholders frustrated and disillusioned in the country.
The delays have had a significant and visible impact, most notably on the national football team, the Leone Stars. Without a proper home ground, the team has been forced to train and compete in substandard conditions, a reality that has affected their preparation, morale, and overall performance. During the recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, the Leone Stars faltered, struggling to gain momentum in crucial matches. Many points to the lack of a dedicated stadium as a key factor in their underwhelming campaign.
“The stadium was supposed to be our fortress, our home,” said one former national team player. “Instead, it has become a symbol of neglect and broken promises.”
The original vision for the renovation included upgraded seating, improved facilities for athletes, and infrastructure capable of hosting international tournaments. Instead, progress has been slow and opaque. With little to show three years into the project, questions are growing about where the funds have gone and why construction has dragged on for so long.
Beyond the direct impact on the national team, the stadium’s prolonged closure has broader consequences for sports development in Sierra Leone. Aspiring young athletes, who once looked to the National Stadium for inspiration, are now met with fences, dust, and silence. Training opportunities have diminished, and the lack of proper infrastructure has stunted the growth of promising talents across multiple disciplines.
“This is not just about football,” said a local sports development officer. “Athletics, school sports, even community events have all been affected. The stadium was central to our sporting identity.”
Calls for government action have grown louder. Stakeholders are urging authorities to expedite the project, resolve any logistical or financial hurdles, and provide regular updates to the public. Transparency and accountability, they argue, are vital to restoring public trust and reviving the vision of a modern sports arena.
As the nation marks the third anniversary of a project that was meant to usher in a new era for Sierra Leonean sports, disappointment hangs heavy in the air. But amid the frustration lies an urgent plea—for leadership, for urgency, and for a renewed commitment to the athletes and fans who continue to believe in the power of sport to unite and uplift.
The National Stadium is more than concrete and steel; it is a symbol of hope, pride, and national potential. Completing its renovation is not only a matter of infrastructure—it is a promise to the next generation of Leone Stars and the millions who cheer them on. It’s time that promise is fulfilled.
