Sports are a big thing in Africa, and if there is one sport you are sure to find in almost all of the continent, it is football. Magnificent stadia with first-class amenities and large capacity back the love for sports in the continent. Known for its vibrant and passionate fans, the continent has always produced some iconic sportsmen and women in different disciplines. In this piece, we look at some of the largest stadia across the continent.

Soccer City Stadium: South Africa

Known for its large capacity, Soccer City is the largest stadium in Africa, with a total capacity of 94,700. The stadium was selected as the primary venue for the 2010 edition of the FIFA World Cup, with the opening match and the final played at the stadium. Soccer City is also known as the FNB Stadium (First National Bank). The stadium has been part of South African history as Nelson Mandela made his first public appearance at the stadium after his release from prison. 
 
It is also the stadium where South Africa won the CAF African Cup of Nations at home in 1996. Matches like these present the ideal opportunity to take advantage of offers such as the Bet365 sign up offer. The stadium is the designated turf on which Bafana Bafana, the South African national team, plays its international friendlies. It is also the home of Kaizer Chiefs of the South African first tier.
 
Borg El Arab Stadium: Egypt 

First opened in 2007, the Borg El Arab boasts a capacity of 86,000, making it the second-largest stadium in the continent. The stadium is located in Alexandria and has grass turf. Located 15 km from the city, the stadium has played host to some of the biggest matches in Egypt and Africa, as well as Champions League matches played here frequently. 
 
With a large parking lot that holds over 5,000 cars, the stadium caters to attending fans in every way. The stadium has undergone several improvements to make it more of a multi-purpose stadium, making it more and more of an arena for continental competitions.
 
Stades Des Martyrs: Democratic Republic of Congo

The stadium sits in the heart of Kinshasa, the capital city of DRC, and seats 80,000. Being a multi-purpose stadium, the venue has hosted all kinds of events, from athletics meetings to music concerts and crusades. Stades Des Martyrs was first opened in 1994 and has since undergone some major renovations, even adding synthetic turf. 
 
As the largest stadium in the country, Stades Des Martyrs bring together the country's love for sport and culture. With roofing all around the arena, a floodlight pitch, and top-notch facilities, the stadium is an ideal venue for the biggest sporting events across Africa.
 
Abuja Stadium: Nigeria

Abuja Stadium is the largest stadium in Nigeria. The arena holds a capacity of 60,491 and is the choice of stadium for the most monumental games for the national team. In addition to its large capacity, the stadium boasts a modern façade that places it among the top arenas worldwide. 
 
Abuja Stadium was recently renamed by President Muhammadu Buhari to honour the political hero Alhaji Moshood Abiola. Even so, it is still popularly known by its old name among fans who have enjoyed historical moments at the venue. Recent issues and neglect have plagued the stadium, but the arena is now getting back to its former glory and adding more amenities.
 
Stade du 5 Juillet: Algeria

The Stade du 5 Juillet 1962 is named after Algeria's independence day. It holds a capacity of 64,000 and is located in Algiers, the country's capital city. Opened in 1972, the stadium is one of the oldest in Africa yet one with the latest turf quality. The stadium has an AirFibr hybrid grass turf which is world-class. 
 
Stade du 5 Juillet is home to MC Alger of the Algerian top flight and the home turf for the Algerian national team. Located in one of the most established countries in African sport, the stadium has seen some epic matches as the national team clashes with the best across Africa and the rest of the world.
 
Conclusion

Sports play a big role in the fabric of society in much of Africa. From the electrifying football of the Zambians to the traditional wrestling of the Senegalese, the sport has always had a part in the hearts of Africans. Stadia like these serve as the perfect venues to witness what greatness the continent holds in sports. 

Even though some of these may have fallen into poor condition over the years, it is great to see governments taking more of a role in keeping them in good condition. Visit any of these and experience the adrenaline-charged energy when the continent's best clash at any of these venues.