Reported by: Agande Richard Aondofa | Edited by: Henry Owen | Stone Reporters News
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has launched an investigation into how the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) spent a $10 million grant awarded in 2020 for sports development projects across the country.
The funding, intended to support infrastructural growth and football development, was reportedly allocated by the NFF for the construction of two stadiums — one in Ugborodu, Delta State, and another in Birin Kebbi, Kebbi State — each budgeted at $1.2 million. However, only one stadium in Birin Kebbi was partially completed, while the proposed Ugborodu project in Delta State, the home state of then-NFF President Amaju Pinnick, was never built.
Reports indicate that construction in Birin Kebbi was halted midway due to an alleged “lack of funds,” despite the NFF’s claim that the $10 million was fully utilized. In its final report to FIFA, the Federation listed its expenditure as follows:
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Infrastructure – $2.6 million
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National Teams – $2.3 million
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Administration and Governance – $1.9 million
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Women’s Football – $700,000
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Uncategorised Competitions – $200,000
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Equipment – $200,000
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Capacity Development and Others – $100,000
Following public outcry and viral images showing the unfinished state of the Birin Kebbi stadium, FIFA reportedly began a probe into how the funds were managed under the Amaju Pinnick-led administration.
The abandoned projects have sparked renewed debate about transparency and accountability within Nigerian football administration, with many calling for a full forensic audit of the NFF’s financial dealings during that period.
FIFA’s investigation is expected to determine whether there were violations of funding guidelines and to establish the true status of the projects that were supposed to boost football development in Nigeria.
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