Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has denied allegations of financial misconduct surrounding the controversial FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State, describing the saga as a “misunderstanding” rather than corruption.
The clarification comes amid renewed public scrutiny after FIFA posted a photo of the half-completed Kebbi Stadium on social media, a facility reportedly funded with $1.2 million from FIFA’s development grant. The image, which circulated widely in 2023, sparked outrage among Nigerians, who questioned how the funds were utilized.
Peter Obi: ‘Corruption in Sports Reflects Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise’
Reacting to the development, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi had strongly condemned corruption in Nigeria’s sports sector.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Obi described the situation as “a heartbreaking reflection of Nigeria’s deeper malaise.”
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled,” Obi wrote.
He further recalled that Awka was initially selected as one of six locations for FIFA-funded stadium projects, but the plan never materialized, prompting his administration as Anambra State governor to construct the Awka Stadium independently.
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves,” he added.
Citing reports that the NFF has received around $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013 for football and youth development, Obi lamented that “there is little or nothing to show for it.”
“The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State is a national embarrassment. The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it,” Obi stated.
He concluded by calling for accountability across all sectors:
“Until we start demanding transparency in every sector, including sports, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be soaring. A New Nigeria is POssible.”
Pinnick: ‘No Mismanagement I Educated Peter Obi’
Responding during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Pinnick dismissed all allegations of financial impropriety, stressing that FIFA’s oversight makes fund diversion impossible.
“There was no mismanagement whatsoever. FIFA has a strict monitoring and auditing system that ensures every dollar released for Goal Projects is tracked,” he said.
Pinnick revealed that he personally reached out to Peter Obi after his public remarks to clarify the situation.
“When I saw what they said Peter Obi said, I called Peter Obi, and I was able to educate him on this issue. He is a statesman, and I told him we must weigh whatever we say carefully. We cannot continue to keep quiet when we see things we can correct,” he explained.
According to the former NFF boss, delays in the Kebbi project’s completion were due to logistical and bureaucratic challenges, not corruption.
“The project is still ongoing and will be delivered as intended,” he assured.
Background: The FIFA Goal Project
The FIFA Goal Project was established to help developing football nations build essential infrastructure, including training pitches, administrative offices, and stadiums. Nigeria has benefited from several such projects across Abuja, Delta, and Kebbi States.
However, the Kebbi facility became the focus of controversy after viral photos of its incomplete state fueled public suspicion of fund mismanagement within the NFF.
While Pinnick insists that FIFA’s strict audit system safeguards the funds, the public debate highlights persistent concerns about transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s sports administration.
