The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, has clarified that the Federation of International Football Associations does not construct standard stadiums for countries, addressing misconceptions surrounding the ongoing controversy over the Kebbi Stadium project.
Speaking on Channels Television on Wednesday, Amadu explained that FIFA’s support comes in the form of football development grants, which member nations can allocate at their discretion for initiatives like mini-stadiums, coach training, or grassroots football programs.
“According to the rule of FIFA, FIFA cannot build or construct a stadium for any nation, like I said in the first place. A stadium to the standard of the one that is being compared from Kenya. No, no, FIFA will not do that. FIFA will only develop football. They have this football development grant, that is what they call it,” he said.
The clarification follows public outcry after FIFA shared a photo on social media in 2023 showing the Kebbi Stadium under its FIFA Forward Programme.
The unfinished structure in the image prompted criticism from Nigerians, who questioned how the $1.2 million allocated to the project was utilized.
While the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) insists that all FIFA funds are properly accounted for and tied to approved initiatives, skeptics continue to raise concerns over transparency and fund management.
Amadu dismissed comparisons between the Kebbi Stadium and Kenya’s modern facility, emphasizing that $1.2 million could not possibly cover the construction of such a stadium.
“You can choose what you want to do, a mini stadium like this one that our NFF decided to do. You can also undergo training of coaches or players, whatever you decide, but not to construct a very, very standard stadium like that of Kenya. If you look at it, there is no way on earth that 1.2 million U.S. dollars can construct that kind of a stadium. There is no way,” he said.
He added, “If you want to do justice and you want to be realistic about the current situation of the world, there is no way 1.2 million can construct that kind of a stadium.”
Amid the debate, the House of Representatives resolved on Tuesday to establish a special committee to investigate FIFA and Confederation of African Football grants totaling $25 million awarded to the NFF.
The controversy has fueled the #SaveNigerianFootball campaign, with citizens calling for enhanced transparency and accountability in the management of sports development funds.
