Pinnick Denies Misusing $1.2m FIFA Stadium Fund, Says Project Was Properly Managed
Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick, has dismissed claims that he mismanaged the $1.2 million FIFA Goal Project meant for a stadium in Kebbi State. He described the controversy as a misunderstanding fueled by assumptions and misinformation. His response followed public reactions to a photo posted by FIFA showing the project site, which appeared unfinished. The image stirred widespread criticism from Nigerians who questioned how the funds were spent.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, had earlier clarified that FIFA does not build stadiums for countries and that the support provided under the programme is mainly for training, facility development, and grassroots football infrastructure. Many Nigerians had assumed the project was intended to deliver a full standard stadium, leading to confusion over the structure seen in the circulated photograph.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Pinnick insisted that the finances were handled transparently and that FIFA closely monitors every dollar it provides. He explained that the contract value was around $1.1 million in 2020, which amounted to less than ₦400 million at the exchange rate at the time. He said this is a key detail that many people do not consider when judging the project’s scale and progress.
Pinnick said every step of the project followed FIFA’s procedures, including audits and documentation checks. He added that the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted work nationwide and affected the pace of construction, but no extra funds were added and no variation was made to the contract. He stressed that his administration focused on building Nigerian football and that criticisms should be based on verified facts, not assumptions.
He appealed to the public to confirm information before drawing conclusions, saying his leadership worked to ensure accountability in football development. According to him, “You can disagree with Amaju Pinnick, but still support Nigerian football. Let us get our facts right.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has agreed to form a special investigative committee to review FIFA and Confederation of African Football grants totaling $25 million given to the NFF over the years. The investigation aims to ensure transparency and accountability in how football development funds are used across the country.
