Top 20 Best and Beautiful Stadium In Africa

Best and Beautiful Stadium In Africa- It is no doubt that the entire African continent is lovers of Football. Many African Nation has produced world class Footballer such Drugba, Eto, Okocha, Kanu, Salah, Mane, to mention but few.  

We can also recall that 2010 FIFA World Cup, organized in South Africa, was one of the best editions of the most prestigious championship in world.

This success can not only be explained by the passion that Africans have for football, but also by the fact that some African countries have managed to set up sport infrastructures that are not different from those built in the other continents of the world.

What is a Stadium?

A large, usually open structure for sports events with tiered seating for spectators. A course on which foot races were held in ancient Greece, usually semicircular and having tiers of seats for spectators. An ancient Greek measure of distance, based on the length of such a course and equal to about 185 meters (607 feet).

A stadium (plural stadiums or stadia) is a place or venue for (mostly) outdoor sports, concerts, or other events and consists of a field or stage either partly or completely surrounded by a tiered structure designed to allow spectators to stand or sit and view the event.

Top 20 Best and Beautiful Stadium In Africa

Cape Town Stadium in South Africa is arguably the best and the most beautiful stadium in Africa. It is located in the Green Point area of Cape Town, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The stadium has a capacity of 69,070 seats and was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. Without formal order, here the best and beautiful stadium in Africa:

1. Soccer City Stadium (FBN Stadium)- South Africa

The urban football stadium is located in South Africa, Johannesburg, to be precise. People are aware of this stadium for being currently the largest stadium in the African continent with a capacity of 94,700 seats.

The other name of this stadium is also the First National Bank Stadium (FNB). Built-in 1987 in Gauteng province with a capacity of 80,000 seats before the renovation and reconstruction work, bringing now the capacity of 94 700 seats. To be the main stadium of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, this means that the two most crucial matches of the opening match and the final match took place in this stadium.

The stadium has been used in the past for various sporting, cultural and political events. In 1990, Nelson Mandela’s first major public appearance took place at the Soccer City stadium. After three years, a large crowd of thousands came to pay a final tribute to one of South Africa’s leaders, Chris Hani.

In addition, in 1996, this same site hosted the final phase of the CAF African Cup of Nations, which saw South Africa victorious at home. However, the final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup between Spain and the Netherlands was the most historic moment of the football stadium to date.

This stadium, which cost a whopping $ 440 million for construction, is located a few kilometers from the SAFA House (House of the South African Football Association). It is the national stadium of the country where the international and friendly matches of the South African team (Bafana Bafana) and the local and continental matches of the Kaizer Chief FC take place.

2. Borg AlArab Stadium- Egypt

Located 25 kilometers west of Alexandria Egypt, the Borj Al Arab Stadium is a multi-purpose sports stadium. It is the largest stadium in Egypt and the second largest in the continent (after Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium). It’s the home venue of the Egyptian national team with a capacity of 86,000.

Borj Alarab Stadium was constructed by Egyptian Armed Forces Corps of Engineers (EAFCE) and was open for local and international tournaments in 2007.

3. Moses Mabhida Stadium- South Africa

This magnificent and vibrant stadium, named for Moses Mabhida, also in South Africa, ranked first among world-class stadiums, after the name of former secretary-general of the Southern Communist Party. The stadium is located in the city of Durban, South Africa, a few meters from the Indian Ocean boardwalk with a capacity of 70,000 seats. It is quite well equipped with a passenger terminal, a station, parking and parking facilities that facilitate the movement of spectators.

The cost of “Durban Stadium” amounted to around $440 million, which is a true testament to South Africa’s architectural innovation. The stadium design was chosen by Gerhard le Roux, inspired by the national flag of the country. The great arch that surrounds the stadium represents the unity of the nation through sports activities. The unity of the country is symbolized by two branches of the arch to the south and north that join to form the same branch halfway.

4. Cape Town Stadium- South Africa

The Cape Town Stadium is located in Cape Town, South Africa. It is dedicated to rugby and football games with a capacity of 69,070 seats. This stadium remains one of the most beautiful sportive monuments in Africa. It came at a cost of US$ 600 million in hopes to be one of the 10 stadiums to host the FIFA world cup of 2010. It replaced a former stadium with the same name, which was demolished in 2007. That stadium was 18,000 seats and housed the football teams of the Santos Football Club and Ajax Cape Town.

The Cape Town Stadium stands in the neighbourhood of Green Point, between Table Mountain and the Atlantic Ocean near the downtown area and the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront touristic area. It officially opened on December 14, 2009. The first match took place on January 23, 2010 with the Cape Derby between the Ajax Cape Town FC and Santos Cape Town FC in front of 20,000 spectators.

5. Cairo International Stadium-  Egypt

Cairo International Stadium, formerly known as Nasser Stadium, is a standard multi-purpose Olympic stadium with a maximum capacity of 75,000 seats. It is in Arabic: ستاد القاهرة الدولى. The architect of the stadium is the German Werner March, who built the Berlin Olympic Stadium from 1934 to 1936. Before becoming a fully equipped stadium, he had the capacity to house more than 100,000 spectators, reaching a record 120,000 spectators.

This is the first Olympic standard installation worthy of the role played by Cairo, Egypt, as an event center in the region. It is also the 69th largest stadium in the world. Located in the city of Nasr; This suburb northeast of Cairo, completed in 1960, was inaugurated by President Gamal Abd El Nasser on July 23 of that year, the eighth anniversary of the 1952 Egyptian revolution. Zamalek SC currently uses the stadium. Petro Sport for most of your home games. and Al Ahly uses Al Salam Stadium for most of his home games.

6. Abuja National Stadium-  Nigeria,

This stadium is located in Nigeria, the Abuja National Stadium is located precisely in Abuja, the territory of the country’s capital, Nigeria, and turns out to be home to the national team of Nigeria (Super Eagles). With a capacity of 60,491 seats, it is a versatile and cutting-edge sports complex.

This stadium was built to house the eighth edition of the African Games that took place on October 2003. This gigantic and impressive stadium was designed and built by Schlaich Bergermann & Partner, making it one of the best stadiums in the world. African history It is a beautiful, artistic and artistic design that attests to a construction budget of $ 360 million. See Top 30 Countries With The Best Education System In Africa

7. Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium-  South Africa

Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium is a 48,000-seat stadium in Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This is the first time a world-class football stadium is built in the Eastern Cape province. The stadium seats 48,459 people and 4,000 additional seats temporarily installed for the 2010 FIFA World Cup 2010. The stadium was also used as a concert hall. It was designed and planned by German architects: Gerkan, Marg and Associates.

8. Estádio 11 de Novembro-  Angola

Stadium 11 of Novembro, named for the date of independence of Angola, is located in the municipality of Belas in Luanda, Angola. It is a versatile stadium. The 50,000-seat stadium, completed in 2010 in anticipation of the 2010 African Cup of Nations, hosted nine games during this tournament, including five Group A games, a Group B game, a quarter-final, a semifinal and the final. It is currently used regularly by the Premeiro de Agosto and Petro de Luanda football clubs that play in Girabola.

9. Godswill Akpabio International Stadium-  Nigeria

The Godswill Akpabio International Stadium (formerly Akwa Ibom International Stadium) is an all-seater national sports stadium located in Uyo, the state capital of Akwa Ibom. The stadium serves as a home to the Nigerian Super Eagles as well as a center for various social, cultural, and religious events. The contract for the construction of the Akwa Ibom International Stadium complex and Games Village was awarded in 2012 to Julius Berger and was completed in 2014. The 30,000 seater ultra modern multipurpose sports complex was modeled after Allianz Arena.

Governor Udom Gabriel Emmanuel renamed Akwa Ibom Stadium as Godswill Obot Akpabio International Stadium, immediately following his inauguration ceremony on May 29, 2015 in the stadium. Godswill Akpabio was the immediate past governor of the state

The stadium structure is in two phases which includes a 400m-running track for athletic events, and is the pilot part of Uyo Sports Park development, and is enclosed by a white triangular-shaped outer covering that encircles the whole spectator stand. The East Stand and Curves can seat approximately 22,500 people. The Governors’ Lounge has sitting capacity for between 30 and 40 VVIPs and is located in the Grand Stand on Level Two. It is constructed to carry little more than 30,000 spectators whether for soccer or track and field events, while the Grand Stand can comfortably accommodate about 7,500 spectators, including the VIP/VVIPs. There is also a six-lane track built specifically for athletes to train. 

10. Peter Mokaba Stadium-  South Africa

Peter Mokaba Stadium is a football and rugby stadium in Polokwane, South Africa, which was named in honor of former ANC Youth League leader Peter Mokaba. The stadium is one of five new stadiums built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. It has a capacity of 41,733 and was used for the World Cup. In March 2007, the authorities decided to build a new stadium to become the center of an enthusiastic football population. The stadium, built in the capital of Limpopo province, was named in honor of politician and activist Peter Mokaba (deceased).
The stadium has been used intensively for training and matches. Therefore, natural grass has been reinforced with artificial fibers, anchoring the ground on a stable and level surface.

11. Mbombela Stadium-  South Africa

The Mbombela Stadium is a fully constructed 40,929-seat stadium located in an open field six kilometers west of Nelspruit, South Africa. Construction began in February 2007 and was completed in November 2009. The construction contract was awarded to Basil Read Construction and Bouygues Construction. The stadium is the centerpiece of a larger sports area that is offered with athletics and cricket, as well as other sports codes.

The Mbombela Stadium was built specifically for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in an open field, seven kilometers west of Mbombela, South Africa. The stadium takes its name from the municipality of Mbombela, in the province of Mpumalanga, which includes the city of Nelspruit. Mbombela means in SiSwati, “many people in little space.”

The stadium is located about 12 kilometers from Kruger-Mpumalanga airport. It has the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners, which allows 40,929 spectators to have an excellent view of the field.

The Mbombela stadium, which cost the US $150 million, was built by South Basil Read Construction and Bouygues. It opened on October 2009.

12. Stade Olympique de Radès-  Tunisia

This versatile stadium is located in Radès, Tunisia. This magnificent masterpiece was built and opened in 2001 as one of the stadiums used for the Mediterranean Games. This makes this list not only expensive but also ecstatic.

Built for the 2001 Mediterranean Games, the interior area of ​​60,000 seats covers 13,000 m2 and includes a central area, 3 adjacent courts, 2 heating rooms, 2 tables, and an official 7,000 seat stands. The press gallery is equipped with 300 offices.

It was inaugurated in July 2001 for the final of the Tunisian Cup between CS Hammam-Lif and Etoile du Sahel (1-0).

13. Fez Sports complex-  Morocco

The Fez Sports complex is a multi-purpose stadium in Fez, Morocco. It is used mostly for football matches and it also has athletics facilities, the stadium holds 45,000 and was built in 2003.

The plans of this stadium realized by Moroccan architects and engineers and the launching of the works was done in 1992, but it is only 2 years later that it started its construction which had to be finished in 1997 to shelter with the stadium of Honor of Meknes 1997 Africa Junior Nations Cup organized by Morocco. The stadium was not delivered on time, mainly because of technical problems, and it was not until 2003 that the work was completed.

The entire complex includes a media room, a first aid center, an infirmary and a doping control room, while the stadium car park at the visitors’ disposal can accommodate up to 7500 cars and 350 coaches.

This stadium also entered Morocco’s candidacy for the organization of the football world cup in 2006 and 2010. Thus, on this occasion the complex was completely renovated and had slight modifications with the addition of 5000 places and its total capacity was increased to 45,000 seats. But, on 15 May 2004 the organization was finally granted to South Africa by 14 votes against 10 for Morocco.

The Stade de Fès is officially inaugurated on 25 November 2007, four years after the completion of the 2006–07 Throne Cup finals with a match between FAR Rabat (D1) and Rachad Bernoussi (D2), which ended with the victory of FAR Rabat (1–1, 5 tabs to 3). The entrance was free for this meeting and 40,000 spectators from different Moroccan cities attended. The first goal scored in this stadium is a goal by Atik Chihab (FAR Rabat).

Since the inauguration of the stadium, the Maghreb team of Fez has taken up residence, and played its first match in this stadium, during a league match against the Youth of El Massira match that takes place. sold out with a 0–0 draw. 

14. Stade des Martyrs-  Democratic Republic of Congo

The Pentecost Martyrs Stadium, also simply called the Martyrs Stadium and formerly Kamanyola Stadium, is a national stadium located in Lingwala, Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo. It is mainly used for football matches and has organized numerous concerts and athletic competitions.

This is the stage of the national team of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the club AS Vita and DC Motema Pembe of the football championship of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The stadium has a capacity of 80,000 places for international matches, but 125,000 places for most matches.

The Martyrs Stadium was originally called Kamanyola Stadium. Work began on October 14, 1988 and ended on October 14, 1993. They replaced the former national stadium, the Tata Raphael Stadium.

15. Heroes National Stadium-  Lusaka, Zambia

The National Heroes Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Lusaka, Zambia, named after the 1993 Zambia national soccer team that lost its life in an air disaster on the way home from a football game. for the country It is currently used mainly for football matches and is home to home games of the Zambia football team. The stadium, opened in 2013, has a capacity for 50,000 spectators.

The Heroes National Stadium is located right next to the recently renovated Independence Stadium and the Heroes Acres memorial, where players who died in the Gabon air disaster in 1993 are buried.

16. Stade d’Angondjé 

Located in Libreville, Angondjé Stadium (or the Libreville friendship stadium, as the name implies), is the result of a good friendship between Gabon and China. Built by the Shanghai Construction Group, it is a beautiful 40,000 seat building.

The stadium, located in the Angondjé district, was the main stadium of the African Cup of Nations in 2012 and 2017. The first time the players touched the field, it was during a match between Gabon in Brazil on November 10, 2011.

The Sino-Gabonese friendship stadium is 320 meters long, which makes it a 36,000 m2 metal structure.

17. Chiazi National Stadium-  Angola

Located in Cabinda, Angola, the Chiazi National Stadium is a multi-sport stadium with a capacity of 20,000 seats. It was built over a period of 18 months by China Jiangsu International and cost around 80 million dollars.

The stadium opened on December 30, 2009, is mainly used for football matches and has hosted major events such as the African Cup of Nations held in Angola in 2010. The stadium hosts the football club. Soccer Cabinda.

18. Stade Ibn Batouta-  Morocco

Stade Ibn Batouta is a multi-use stadium in Tangier, Morocco. It is used mostly for football matches and big events as ceremonies or concerts. The stadium has a capacity of 45,000 people. It serves as the new home of IR Tanger, replacing the former Stade de Marchan. The stadium is named after Ibn Battuta.

It was inaugurated on April 26, 2011. On July 27, the stadium hosted the 2011 Trophée des champions, in which Marseille beat Lille 5–4.

It was one of the confirmed host stadiums for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, which was to be hosted by Morocco until it was stripped of its hosting rights.

It hosted the 2018 Supercopa de España match between the Copa del Rey runners-up, Sevilla, and the winners of the 2017–18 Copa del Rey and 2017–18 La Liga, Barcelona.

It was one of the venues in Morocco’s failed bid for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It was slated to host the Quarter-Finals if Morocco had been awarded the World Cup.

19. Ahmed Zabana Stadium-  Algeria

Ahmed Zabana Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Oran, Algeria. It is currently used mostly for football matches. It is the home ground of MC Oran. The stadium holds 40,000. Currently, a new stadium, called Olympic Stadium, is being constructed.

The stadium was built in 1955 in the El Hamri district of Oran, known as Lyautey at the time, by mayor Henri Fouquès-Duparc. The stadium was inaugurated on 5 May 1957 with a capacity of 40,000 spectators, making it the biggest stadium in Africa at the time. After the independence of Algeria it was renamed Municipal Stadium. After it was named again Stade 19 Juin 1965 in commemoration of the coup of Ahmed Ben Bella by Houari Boumediene made at that date. It was then renamed again to Stade Ahmed Zabana in honor of Algerian revolutionary Ahmed Zabana.

In January 2008, it was renovated to make it compatible with the practice of Rugby union. It was equipped with artificial turf (fifth generation) to replace natural grass in poor condition. In the 2016-17 domestic league seasons, tenants MC Oran drew an average home attendance of 12,000.

20. Ombaka National Stadium-  Angola

Ombaka National Stadium is a multi-use stadium in Benguela, Angola. Completed in 2010, it is used mostly for football matches and has hosted some events for the 2010 African Cup of Nations. The stadium has a capacity of 35,000 people.