On April 11, 2025, Senegal celebrated the completion of a major sports infrastructure project as China officially handed over four newly renovated stadiums, including the iconic Léopold Sédar Senghor Stadium in Dakar.
The project, which began in 2022, also upgraded facilities in Kaolack, Diourbel, and Ziguinchor, marking a significant milestone in Senegal-China cooperation.
Senegal’s Minister of Youth, Sports, and Culture, Khady Diene Gaye, hailed the event as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two nations.
“Since it was first built with Chinese assistance in the 1980s, the Senghor Stadium has stood as a symbol of the deep bond between our two nations,” she stated. “Now, with its modern new look, it shines once again thanks to China’s generous support and the hard work of both Chinese and Senegalese teams.”
In contrast, Sierra Leone’s National Stadium in Freetown remains under renovation, a project that has faced prolonged delays since its commencement in 2019.
Despite being funded by the Chinese government, the $40 million refurbishment has yet to reach completion, leaving the country’s primary sports venue unusable for major events.
The ongoing delays have forced Sierra Leone’s national football team, the Leone Stars, to play home matches at neutral venues, impacting both team performance and fan engagement.
Local Premier League clubs have also been affected, with many relocating matches to provincial areas, incurring additional costs and logistical challenges.
While officials, including Minister of Sports Augusta James-Teima, have expressed optimism about the project’s progress, no definitive completion date has been announced.
Recent inspections have noted advancements such as the installation of artificial turf on practice fields and the construction of new seating areas, but the main stadium remains incomplete.
The disparity between the swift completion of Senegal’s stadiums and the ongoing delays in Sierra Leone has sparked public frustration and raised questions about project management and oversight. As neighboring countries advance their sports infrastructure, Sierra Leonean athletes and fans await the day when their national stadium will once again host international competitions and serve as a symbol of national pride.
