Renovations Begin At Oyem’s Stadium in Gabon

The Gabon government took the first step to improving Oyem Stadium following various media reports highlighting the appalling state of the stadium.

The stadium which was built to host 2017 Africa Cup of Nations matches required extensive renovation on the pitch that was infested with weeds.

The repair works began on Thursday with a major part being carried out; with the larger part of the 20,000 capacity stadium expected to be completed once the project secures funding.

Gabon’s Minister of Sports Franck Nguema revealed to Gabon All Sport that renovation work on the stadium had started, with the main venue of events given first priority.

“Oyem Stadium is under serious renovations by the government and community. We are optimistic that they will be able to complete the renovation as soon as possible,” said Gabon’s Minister of Sports, Franck Nguéma.

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””] “Our short-term ambition as a ministry is to make Oyem Stadium great so that it can host upcoming Africa Cup Nations and World Cup qualifiers in which the Panthers of Gabon are involved”.   [/perfectpullquote]

Buried in the deep jungles of Northern Gabon, Oyem Stadium, the multi-purpose sports arena is considered as one of the greatest architectural works in the Wolue  Ntem region.

The magnificent arena was constructed at a cost of $80 million and until recently it was serving as the home of local side, US Oyem.

It is worth to mention the stadium’s presidential lounge was recently set ablaze by a rebel group called Cellule du Grand Nord that operates in the region. The April 30 inferno burned expensive seats and other valuables at the lounge.