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Peter Obi condemns the NFF for allegedly mismanaging over $25m from FIFA meant for youth and stadium projects, calling the scandal a national shame. The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing fierce backlash following allegations of mismanaging over $25 million in funds from FIFA and CAF intended for youth development and infrastructure, prompting former Presidential aspirant Peter Obi to publicly condemn the football body. Obi, who previously governed Anambra State, described the situation, particularly a highly scrutinised $1.2 million stadium project in Kebbi State, as a “national embarrassment” and a reflection of wider corruption in Nigeria. The controversy comes amid a social media storm fueled by public demands for greater transparency regarding the global development grants received since 2013. The $25M Question The uproar stems from growing public scrutiny over the use of funds from FIFA’s $10 million Forward Programme, and CAF, which Obi alleges total approximately $25 million since 2013. This pressure intensified after reports and viral social media posts questioned the status of infrastructure projects, including two FIFA-backed mini-stadiums. While a project in Birnin Kebbi was completed and commissioned, a viral image of its seemingly subpar state ignited public outrage, particularly concerning its reported $1.183 million cost. A similar project in Ugborodo, Delta State, has reportedly stalled despite an estimated $2 million in combined funding allocated for both facilities by FIFA. Obi's critique, titled 'Corruption in Sports: A Reflection of Nigeria’s Deeper Malaise' on his official X account, directly challenges the NFF's accountability. "The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it," Obi wrote, connecting the alleged sports corruption to the country’s broader issues of poverty and unemployment. He also recounted a stalled FIFA-standard stadium project promised for Awka, Anambra State, during his tenure as Governor, saying, "That was the last we heard of it." NFF’s Defence and Ongoing Demands The NFF has categorically denied allegations of wrongdoing, asserting that funds received from FIFA and CAF are “tied to specific purposes” and are “audited in every cycle.” In an official statement, the federation clarified that development funds are subject to "strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring, and auditing at every stage" before being released to FIFA-approved consultants. The NFF pointed to ongoing FIFA Forward projects, such as a Players' Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, as evidence of their commitment. However, critics remain unconvinced, leading to the viral social media campaign #SaveNigerianFootball, which demands the public release of comprehensive audit reports and account details. This public finance scandal has severe implications for Nigerian football, threatening to erode the public's already fragile trust in the NFF's governance. Most critically, the alleged mismanagement potentially starves grassroots football of vital resources, stalling the development of young Nigerian talent who need the proper facilities. The controversy also places a spotlight on the oversight mechanisms of both FIFA and CAF. While the NFF, who recently revealed plans with FIFA to revive youth football, insists on the rigor of the auditing process (which includes firms like PriceWaterhouseCoopers), the poor visible state of the Kebbi project continues to fuel speculation and call the effectiveness of that oversight into question. The persistent lack of transparency could jeopardise future international funding critical for the Super Eagles and Nigeria’s youth national teams.
