The Chairman of the House Committee on Sports, Kabiru Amadu, has said FIFA does not build or construct stadiums for any country. His comment followed the controversy over the $1.2 million Kebbi mini-stadium project.
Speaking on Channels Television, Amadu explained that FIFA only provides football development grants. These funds can be used for mini-stadiums, training of coaches, or grassroots football development, but not for large stadiums.
“FIFA cannot build a standard stadium for any nation,” Amadu said. “They only support football development through grants.”
Public criticism grew after FIFA posted a photo of the unfinished Kebbi stadium on social media under its FIFA Forward Programme. The image, shared in 2023, sparked anger among Nigerians who questioned how the $1.2 million was spent.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has said all FIFA funds are accounted for and tied to approved projects. But concerns remain about transparency and accountability.
Amadu dismissed comparisons with Kenya’s modern stadium, saying such expectations were unrealistic.
“There’s no way $1.2 million can build that kind of stadium,” he said. “The funds can only handle smaller projects.”
On Tuesday, the House of Representatives agreed to set up a special committee to investigate FIFA and CAF grants totaling $25 million given to the NFF.
The #SaveNigerianFootball campaign has since gained new momentum, calling for greater transparency in sports funding and stronger oversight of football development projects.
