Contrary to the wave of criticism on social media regarding the Birnin Kebbi Mini-Stadium, allegedly built at a cost of $1.2 million as part of FIFA’s Forward Project initiative, the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau, has defended the project. He asserts that FIFA has accomplished its objectives with the establishment of the facility.
Gusau, who addressed the backlash from Nigerians in an interview on AIT’s Kakaki programme aired yesterday, particularly focusing on outrage sparked by FIFA’s social media post showcasing the Mini-Stadium. He emphasised that all funds used in its construction were meticulously accounted for, adhering to FIFA’s stringent financial oversight. He urged critics seeking public favour through misrepresentation to reconsider their approach.
“We received FIFA’s approval to construct two mini-stadiums, one in Birnin Kebbi and the other in Ugborodo, a riverine community in Delta State,” Gusau explained. “The contract was initiated in 2020, with an expected completion timeline of six months. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic stalled progress, delaying completion until 2022. In early 2023, FIFA representatives visited Nigeria to officially commission the stadium, praising the NFF for its completion.”
Gusau noted that the main aim of the FIFA Forward Project is to develop football at the grassroots level, providing young individuals access to quality playing facilities. He highlighted that until the construction of the Mini-Stadium, there were no comparable facilities in Birnin Kebbi.
“Notably, this year, Kebbi United, currently playing in the second division (NNL), held all their matches at this Mini-Stadium, along with Zamfara United, who utilised the facility as there were no suitable venues in Zamfara State,” he added.
Gusau expressed concern over the misinformation circulating on social media, particularly the unfavourable comparisons between the Birnin Kebbi construction and a fully approved FIFA standard stadium in Kenya, which reportedly cost over $300 million.
He described such comparisons as misleading and mischievous, particularly when propagated by prominent Nigerians seeking to promote their political agendas.
“It is disheartening to see individuals who aspire to lead our nation sharing unverified information on social media without considering the facts,” he remarked. “It would be more constructive for these critics to reflect on their own past projects and expenditures rather than making unfounded comparisons.”
He urged the public and leaders to approach such discussions with realism and integrity, stressing that misleading information would not foster genuine support or understanding. Gusau concluded by reinforcing the importance of transparency and truthfulness in leadership, emphasising that the funds allocated by FIFA to member nations are intended to enhance football development, and projects must align with FIFA’s established guidelines for approval.
