A viral FIFA documentary showcasing a $1.2 million mini-stadium in Kebbi State has ignited widespread outrage among Nigerians, prompting former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Amaju Pinnick to publicly defend the project amid allegations of poor execution and financial mismanagement.
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The facility, known as the Birnin Kebbi Mini Stadium, was constructed under the FIFA Forward Programme an initiative designed to develop grassroots football infrastructure across member nations. However, following FIFA’s promotional post on social media last Month, Nigerians flooded online platforms with sharp criticism, describing the project as “underwhelming” and “unbefitting” of its multimillion-dollar cost.
Appearing on Arise Television’s The Morning Show on Saturday, Pinnick faced tough questioning from co-anchor Vimbai Ekpenyong, who asked whether he was genuinely proud of the structure given its modest appearance.
“There have been conversations about the $1.2 million allocated to the Birnin Kebbi stadium,” Ekpenyong said. “If you look at it, it doesn’t look anywhere close to that amount of money. Maybe you can share with us what really transpired — how was the contractor selected, how much was paid, and why do we have this shell of a stadium that ought to have cost $1.2 million?”
In response, Pinnick maintained that the project was properly executed according to FIFA’s procedures and Nigeria’s public procurement laws.
“The processes and protocols used to award the contracts were global and transparent,” he explained. “Tenders were made, bids were received, and the company that won AON Construction has a solid track record in sports infrastructure. At that time, $1.2 million was equivalent to about ₦400 million. The stadium was done in phases and remains functional.”
When pressed further by Ekpenyong on whether he was proud of the result, Pinnick stood his ground:
“Why shouldn’t I be proud of it? This is a phase-one project. It’s a mini stadium, not a national stadium. The pitch is functional, and Kebbi United plays there. The engineering under the pitch alone is of high quality.”
Ekpenyong countered with a comparison to similar FIFA-funded mini-stadiums in countries such as Mauritania, Cabo Verde, and Zambia, which appeared more modern and extensive. Pinnick replied that each member association operates under different agreements with FIFA based on project scope and available funds.
“Each country signs its own contract with FIFA detailing what the project will include,” he explained. “FIFA disburses funds in stages after verifying that milestones are met. No money was misused. Everything was done according to the books.”
Pinnick also addressed questions surrounding another FIFA Forward project a mini-stadium in Ugborodo, Delta State whose contract was terminated by the NFF after the contractor, Monimichelle Sports, allegedly failed to complete the job despite receiving about $500,000.
“I won’t speak much on Monimichelle because we are in court,” he said. “But trust me, the truth will come out, and some people will end up in handcuffs. We must protect institutions and not destroy the country’s image over misinformation.”
Throughout the interview, Pinnick emphasized that the Kebbi facility was only the first phase of a broader plan to deliver more football infrastructure nationwide, dismissing suggestions of corruption or financial malpractice.
“People forget that infrastructure projects like these start small and grow,” he said. “Football is being played where people never dreamt of playing football before. That’s what matters.”
He also cautioned against what he called “unchecked public criticism” of Nigerian institutions, saying such attacks damage the country’s international image.
“When you malign people in authority without facts, it’s not just individuals you hurt it’s the country. We must learn to love this nation,” he said.
The FIFA Forward Programme has provided millions of dollars to Nigeria for grassroots football development, but controversies surrounding project implementation especially the Kebbi and Delta mini-stadiums have reignited calls for transparency and accountability within the NFF.
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