President of the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, Amaju Pinnick, has denied allegations of financial mismanagement in the construction of the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State.
The controversy followed a social media post by FIFA showing the half-completed Benin-Kebbi Stadium, which drew criticism from Nigerians questioning how funds for the project were utilized.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick said the claims were “completely misconstrued,” adding that FIFA maintains strict financial oversight on all Goal Projects.
“If FIFA gives you their money, they audit their money, they know A to Z, and they have standards. So if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was it in naira? Less than ₦400 million, that’s what people don’t know,” Pinnick explained.
He stated that the project followed due process and that no additional funds were approved even after the COVID-19 pandemic delayed construction.
“There was no variation despite the challenges. Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,” he said.
The former NFF president urged Nigerians to verify facts before making public accusations, insisting that his administration operated with transparency and accountability.
FIFA’s Goal Project aims to improve football infrastructure worldwide but has sparked mixed reactions in Nigeria due to the state of some facilities funded under the initiative.
