The agonies of various National teams over suitable football training and competition pitches may have been answered as the Federal Government has directed the commencement of renovation work at the Abuja National Stadium.

Government had since awarded the contract for the renovation of the stadium to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

Sports Minister Malam Bolaji Abdullahi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja that the contract would begin in the New Year.

"Of course, we have concluded arrangements with Julius Berger to bring alive the pitch of the main bowl and training grounds of the stadium in January, after the holiday.

"If we are able to get the pitch up and running at least, the Super Eagles and other National teams will have good ground to train. Nobody can say we do not have a field where they can play anymore," Abdullahi said.

According to the minister, the decision to embark on the renovation was based on President Jonathan's visit to the stadium in September.

He also said the relocation of the office of the sports minister to the stadium complex also necessitated the renovation of the stadium.

"I think that by relocating my office to the stadium, it will breathe life back into the stadium to a reasonable extent. The facilities on ground are being managed and cleaned up now.

"If we are able to sensitise the Nigeria Football Federation of the facilities available here, they can also use it for the various national teams and not just for the Eagles, but other teams as well," he added. (NAN)