The photo at the top of this story has been flying around in the Nigerian online space with some claiming it is that of a waterlogged Lekan Salami Sport Complex, Adamasingba, Oyo state.
The stadium was remodelled for over N5 billion and commissioned last Wednesday.
But as heavy rains ruined the exhibition match that graced the occasion, many complained about why a remodelling that cost so wouldn’t prevent a flooded turf.
Then the photo in this story began circulating, with some saying the flood waters had made the stadium unusable.
The thing is, that photo is from 2007. And the flooding in question happened in Britain.
“Sheffield Wednesday have been forced to close Hillsborough with heavy floods leaving the pitch submerged under deep water,” DailyMail reported that year.
“The River Don, which flows right past the Coca-Cola Championship club’s ground, burst its banks leaving the immediate area without electricity and working telephone lines.
“No club officials were available for comment but pictures posted on the Owls’ official website clearly show the water level had risen halfway up the main stands.
“Local rivals Sheffield United were spared any flood damage due to Bramall Lane being situated across the city.”
It is safe to say, anyway, that most modern football pitches can handle the rain. The 2007 stadium flooding was caused by a river burst, not by two hours of downpour.
Fact check complete.
