Sunday Dare, Nigeria's sports minister, ordered the closure of the main pitch at Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.
After Super Eagles head coach José Peseiro complained about the poor condition of the court after practice on Sunday, Dare made the decision.
The Super Eagles did not practice on the pitch on Monday to allow their outfield players to prepare for Thursday's Africa Cup of Nations 2023 qualifier against the Sierra Leone Stars.
They had their training on Monday on the training field in front of the stadium. The field may only be used for national team matches, a sports ministry official, Mohammed Manga, told NAN.
We have to keep the main pitch of the stadium in good condition so that national teams can play international matches, he said.
As a result of the development, Kano Pillars, a Nigerian Professional Football League club, have to find a new stadium.
After a riot by spectators at their home game against Katsina United, the league management company relegated Sai Masu Gida to Abuja.
More details coming soon....