Henry Gomez, a former Sports Minister and current Presidential adviser, has called on the Gambian government to prioritise the construction of a new national stadium to address the country’s prolonged inability to host international football matches.

Speaking at his Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP) congress at the Friendship Hostel in Bakau, Gomez expressed frustration over the limitations of the Independence Stadium, which remains banned by FIFA and CAF for failing to meet international standards.

“I am aware that efforts have been made to renovate the Independence Stadium. However, there are still bottlenecks preventing progress on the football field. This has denied our football lovers the opportunity to watch the national team play home games on Gambian soil,” Gomez said.

The Independence Stadium, built in 1983, was declared unfit for international matches in 2021, citing issues such as poor pitch conditions, inadequate lighting, and insufficient seating. As a result, Gambia’s national football team, “The Scorpions,” has had to play home games in neighbouring Senegal and other countries.

Gomez, who also leads the GPDP, argued that a new stadium would be a more sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis.

“It’s my view that the government should now prioritize plans to construct a new stadium. This will not only make it easier to host matches for the senior national team but will also provide opportunities for junior teams to play on home soil,” he added.

Gomez’s remarks reflect growing concerns across the nation over the lack of adequate sports infrastructure. The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has repeatedly urged the government to act swiftly to resolve the crisis.

Although some renovations have been made to the Independence Stadium, experts argue these measures fall short of the comprehensive upgrades required to meet FIFA and CAF standards.

Despite infrastructural challenges, Gambia’s national team made history in 2021 by qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time and advancing to the quarter-finals.

However, the inability to host matches at home has diminished the impact of such achievements.

By Adama Makasuba