Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno – stadium description

What is a brief overview of Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno?

Chad's new national stadium was built as a gift from China – it was financed by the Chinese government and designed and constructed by Chinese companies. The investment was carried out on the south-eastern outskirts of the country's capital, N'Djamena, about 15 km from the city center.

The modern sports arena is equipped with an athletics track and its stands can accommodate 30,000 spectators. The exterior facade consists of an openwork covering made of vertical slats, complemented by diagonal structural columns, which, although primarily serving a load-bearing function, give the stadium its distinctive appearance.

The stadium was named after Idrissa Déby Itno, the former president of Chad, who laid the foundation stone for its construction but did not live to see its inauguration – he died in April 2021 as a result of injuries sustained during fighting with rebels. The opening ceremony, which took place on May 23, 2025, was performed by his son and successor as president, Mahamat Déby Itno.

How was the new stadium in N'Djamena built?

The new stadium was built on the initiative of China – it was financed by the Chinese government as a gift to the Chadian people. It was one of many projects implemented as part of the so-called Chinese stadium diplomacy.

Preparations for the investment began in 2018, and the ceremonial laying of the cornerstone by the then president of the country, Idriss Déby Itno, took place on August 8, 2019.

The design of the new stadium was prepared by the Shanghai Architectural Design & Research Institute. Construction work was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the actual construction of the stadium did not start until 2021. The main contractor was Shaanxi Construction Engineering Group Corporation (SCEGC).

In June 2023, the reinforced concrete skeleton of the building was completed. The facility was fully ready for use in May 2025 – on May 12, the Chinese ambassador officially handed over the keys to the stadium to the Minister of Youth and Sports. The cost of the investment was 50 billion CFA francs.

When was the new stadium in N'Djamena inaugurated?

The stadium was officially inaugurated on May 23, 2025. The ceremony was presided over by President Mahamat Déby Itno, who cut the ribbon and gave a speech. The event was accompanied by speeches from other officials and an exhibition match between Elect-Sport FC and Aiglons FC.

What name was given to the new stadium in N'Djamena?

There were various ideas for the name of the new stadium. Early in the project, it was proposed that it be named after François Tombalbaye, the country's first president. Another proposal was Stade National du 8 Août (National Stadium of August 8), which was to commemorate the date of the laying of the cornerstone.

During the construction phase, the facility was most often referred to simply as Stade de N'Djaména or Stade de Mandjafa (after the name of the district).

During the construction of the stadium, in April 2021 (as a result of fighting with rebels in the north of the country), the incumbent president of the country, Idriss Déby Itno, who personally laid the cornerstone for its construction, died. His son, Mahamat Déby Itno, took over the office after him.

Idriss Déby Itno served as president of Chad from 1990 to 2021, as the sixth and longest-serving president of the country. Ultimately, it was decided to name the new stadium after him, which was done by decree on May 13, 2025. The full name of the facility is Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno (Marshal Idriss Déby Itno Olympic Stadium).

What are the characteristics of Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno?

The facility is multifunctional and equipped with an athletics track. The covered, two-level stands can accommodate 30,000 spectators. The stadium is dominated by the colors of the national flag – blue, yellow, and red.

The reinforced concrete structure of the stands is partially covered by a transparent façade composed of vertical slats, and the diagonal columns supporting the roof are also a distinctive feature of the exterior. The building is also surrounded by a raised promenade.

Where is Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno located?

The stadium was built on the outskirts of the country's capital, N'Djamena, in the south-eastern suburb of Mandjafa, near the banks of the Shari River. The facility is located about 15 km from the center of N'Djamena.

What is the role of Stade Olympique Maréchal Idriss Déby Itno?

The facility is the largest stadium in the country and by far the most modern – in this respect, its construction was a milestone in the development of sports infrastructure in Chad.

The stadium is the main sports facility in Chad and effectively serves as the country's new national stadium, a role it took over from Stade Omnisports Idriss Mahamat Ouya.