African football has experienced a remarkable transformation in recent years, with the evolution of stadiums reflecting the continent’s passion for the sport. From the dusty grounds of “Sakora” parks to state-of-the-art arenas, Africa has made significant strides in improving its sports infrastructure to showcase football on a global stage.
One of the most expensive stadiums in Africa is the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Constructed in 2007 at a cost of $53 million, this stadium has a seating capacity of 60,000, making it the eleventh-largest stadium on the continent.
Another iconic stadium is the Stade Olympique de Radès in Radès, Tunisia, which cost $110 million to build. With a seating capacity of 60,000, it stands as one of the largest stadiums in Africa and was inaugurated in 2001 to host the Mediterranean Games.
The Mbombela Stadium in South Africa, constructed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, is another notable stadium with a cost of $140 million. With a seating capacity of 40,929, it played host to several matches during the tournament and is a significant addition to South Africa’s sports infrastructure.
The Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup at a cost of $150 million, has a seating capacity of 45,500. It has been a venue for football and rugby matches, showcasing its versatility as a multi-purpose sports venue.
The Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda, Angola, cost $227 million to build and has a seating capacity of 55,000. It hosted matches during the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and serves as a multi-purpose stadium for various sporting events.
The Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in South Africa, named after the country’s first president, cost $270 million to construct. With a seating capacity of 48,459, it was one of the coastal stadiums built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, showcasing South Africa’s commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.
The Abuja Stadium in Nigeria, with a capacity of 60,491, is the largest stadium in the country and cost $360 million to build. It serves as the home stadium for the Nigerian national football team and hosts various sporting events.
The FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, also known as “Soccer City,” is one of the largest football stadiums in the world with a capacity of 94,736. With a construction cost of $440 million, it is a landmark venue for PSL giants Kaizer Chiefs and the South African national team.
The Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, South Africa, cost $450 million to build and has a seating capacity of 54,000. Expanded to 62,760 for the 2010 World Cup, it is a significant sports venue in the region.
At the top of the list is the Cape Town Stadium in South Africa, with a construction cost of $600 million. With a seating capacity of 55,000, it was expanded to 64,100 for the 2010 World Cup, solidifying its position as the most expensive stadium in Africa.
These stadiums not only showcase Africa’s commitment to football but also highlight the continent’s growing presence in the global sporting arena. From hosting international tournaments to serving as venues for local matches, these stadiums play a crucial role in shaping the future of African football.
