FIFA post of unfinished $1.2m Kebbi stadium sparks outrage at NFF

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has come under intense public criticism after world football governing body, FIFA, shared an image of the uncompleted Birnin Kebbi Stadium on its official social media platforms.

The photograph, reportedly part of the FIFA Forward Development Programme, went viral after appearing as FIFA’s new header image on X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.

The picture of the half-finished facility in Kebbi State quickly triggered outrage among Nigerians, who described it as a national embarrassment and a reflection of poor accountability in the country’s sports administration.

Many football fans questioned why FIFA would promote an uncompleted project, with some suggesting the post was a subtle message highlighting alleged mismanagement within the NFF.

The $1.2 million project was intended to promote grassroots football development alongside a similar initiative in Ugborodo, Delta State.

However, the current state of the Kebbi facility has raised doubts about how the funds were utilized and whether the project goals were ever met.

Nigerians flooded social media with heated reactions after FIFA’s post surfaced.

While some expressed disappointment that FIFA would showcase an unfinished project, others interpreted the post as a quiet indictment of Nigeria’s football authorities.

Critics compared the Kebbi facility with FIFA-funded projects in other African countries and noted that the Nigerian version fell far below expectations.

One user described it as “a global shame,” while others questioned how such a large sum could produce such a modest structure.

The controversy quickly gave rise to the trending hashtag #SaveNigerianFootball, as many fans renewed calls for transparency and accountability in football administration.

In response, the NFF issued a statement denying any wrongdoing.

The federation insisted that all funds received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) are strictly tied to specific projects and are properly audited at 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 managed under strict financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage.”

The NFF also pointed to 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 any disbursement.

It dismissed allegations of fund diversion as “fictitious figures” spread by individuals seeking attention, maintaining that every transaction follows due process.

The Birnin Kebbi Stadium project began in 2020 under former Governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

Designed to promote youth development and strengthen grassroots football in the North-West, the project was officially inaugurated in December 2023 by Governor Nasir Idris, who described it as a partnership between FIFA, the NFF, and the state government.

Valued at $1.183 million, the project included the provision of four hectares of land by the state and ₦19 million compensation to local landowners.

Despite these commitments, the facility remains largely incomplete, fueling growing suspicion about the transparency of its execution.

FIFA’s quiet social media post has since evolved into a broader national conversation.

While some observers believe it was intended to showcase ongoing development projects, others see it as a subtle rebuke of Nigeria’s poor accountability in sports management.

The controversy has reignited long-standing questions about how FIFA funds are utilized in Nigeria and whether the NFF has been transparent in handling international grants.

This is not the first time the NFF has faced financial controversy.

The federation has previously been accused of mismanaging funds meant for grassroots football and players’ welfare.

With FIFA’s unexpected post now drawing international attention, public pressure is mounting on the NFF, the federal government, and sports authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the $1.2 million Kebbi project and determine why the stadium remains unfinished.