FIFA has stirred controversy in Nigeria after using an image of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, a FIFA/NFF-funded facility, as the new profile banner on its official social media pages.
The photo, showing the partially completed mini-stadium in Kebbi State, quickly went viral on social media, particularly X, on Saturday, sparking debate over alleged mismanagement of funds meant for grassroots football development.
The project, launched in 2020 under the FIFA Forward Programme, was jointly executed by FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF.
However, social media users interpreted FIFA’s post as a subtle criticism of the NFF amid renewed allegations of corruption.
Football critic, Chinedu Mobike had earlier accused the NFF of mishandling $1.2 million earmarked for two FIFA-backed stadiums in Kebbi and Ugborodo, Delta State. In a viral video, he claimed the projects remained incomplete despite the funds being released.
The NFF, in a statement on October 24, denied the allegations, insisting that all FIFA and CAF funds are tied to specific projects and audited regularly. It also dismissed the figures circulating online as “fictitious,” maintaining that all FIFA Forward projects are executed in line with global compliance standards.
Despite the clarification, FIFA’s social media update reignited public criticism, with many Nigerians viewing it as an embarrassment to the country’s football administration.
While some defended FIFA’s action as recognition of a development project, others described it as a veiled message highlighting inefficiency and poor accountability within the NFF.
The Birnin Kebbi mini-stadium project, reportedly costing $1.18 million, was inaugurated in 2023 by Governor Nasir Idris, with FIFA stating it was part of its commitment to promoting grassroots football in Nigeria.
As of press time, FIFA has not issued any official comment regarding the motive behind using the Kebbi stadium image on its social media banner.
