The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come under heavy criticism after world football body, FIFA, showcased the uncompleted Birnin Kebbi Stadium on its official social media platforms.
The image of the stadium, reportedly funded under the FIFA Forward Programme, went viral after appearing as FIFA’s new header photo on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
The picture, which showed an unfinished facility in Kebbi State, has sparked outrage among Nigerians who described it as a national embarrassment.
Many football lovers questioned why FIFA would promote a project still under construction, with some interpreting ... as a subtle message to the NFF over alleged financial mismanagement.
The $1.2 million project was meant to be part of FIFA’s grassroots football development initiative, alongside another in Ugborodo, Delta State. But the current state of the Kebbi stadium has raised doubts about how the funds were used and whether the objectives were ever met.
Public Reactions and Online Outrage
Nigerians flooded social media with mixed reactions after FIFA’s post surfaced. Some users expressed disappointment that the football body would highlight an uncompleted project, while others viewed it as a silent way of exposing corruption in the NFF.
Critics compared the Kebbi facility with similar FIFA-funded projects in other African countries, noting that Nigeria’s version falls short of expectations. One online user described it as “global shame,” while others questioned how $1.2 million could result in such a modest structure.
The incident has since fueled the trending hashtag #SaveNigerianFootball, as many fans renewed calls for transparency and accountability in football administration.
NFF’s Response
In reaction to the controversy, the NFF released a statement denying any wrongdoing. The federation clarified that all funds received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are tied to specific projects and properly audited in every financial cycle.
According to the statement, “the monies meant for development purposes are tied to specific projects. FIFA Forward funds are properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage.”
The NFF also cited ongoing FIFA Forward projects such as the Players’ Hostel and training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, emphasizing that each stage of funding is verified by FIFA before release.
It dismissed allegations of fund diversion as “fictitious figures” spread by individuals seeking clout, insisting that every transaction follows due process.
Background of the Kebbi Project
The Birnin Kebbi Stadium project began in 2020 under former governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu. It was designed to promote youth development and strengthen grassroots football in the North-West region.
In December 2023, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris inaugurated the facility, describing it as a partnership between FIFA, the NFF, and the state government.
The project was valued at $1.183 million, with the state providing four hectares of land and paying ₦19 million in compensation to landowners.
Despite these efforts, construction progress has been slow, and the stadium remains largely incomplete. This has fueled public suspicion about the management of funds and the transparency of the entire project.
Ongoing Debate
FIFA’s quiet social media update has now turned into a national discussion. While some believe it was meant to showcase developmental efforts, others say it was an indirect way to expose Nigeria’s poor accountability culture in sports.
The controversy has revived long-standing questions about how FIFA funds are utilized in Nigeria and whether the NFF has been fully transparent in handling international grants.
However, this is not the first time the NFF has been caught in a web of financial controversy. In previous years, the federation faced similar accusations of mismanaging funds meant for grassroots football and players’ welfare.
With FIFA’s unexpected post now in the spotlight, many Nigerians are demanding that the government and relevant sports authorities open a fresh investigation into the $1.2 million project to uncover the truth behind the incomplete stadium.