Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has refuted allegations of financial mismanagement involving the $1.2 million FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State, describing the controversy as a product of public misunderstanding.
The clarification follows widespread criticism on social media after FIFA shared an image of the Kebbi Stadium—a project under the FIFA Forward Programme—showing the facility in an incomplete state. The photo, which resurfaced earlier this week, prompted questions from Nigerians about the utilisation of funds allocated to the project.
During an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Pinnick maintained that the project was executed in line with FIFA’s strict financial procedures, noting that every disbursement was subject to international auditing standards.
“If FIFA gives you their money, they audit it from A to Z. They have their own standards,” Pinnick said. “The project cost about $1.1 million in 2020—less than ₦400 million at the time. Everything went according to plan, and there was no variation, even during the COVID-19 period.”
Pinnick further explained that delays caused by the pandemic affected progress at the construction site but insisted that all funds were properly accounted for. He urged Nigerians to seek verified information before drawing conclusions, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
“You can hate Amaju Pinnick but love Nigerian football,” he said. “Let us get our facts right before coming out to the public and making unfounded claims.”
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Tuesday resolved to establish a special investigative committee to examine FIFA and Confederation of African Football (CAF) grants amounting to $25 million reportedly disbursed to the NFF over the years.
Lawmakers said the probe aims to ensure proper utilisation of international sports development funds and promote financial accountability in Nigerian football governance.
