Okay News reports that global football governing body, FIFA, has ignited controversy across Nigeria after featuring an image of the unfinished Birnin Kebbi Stadium in Kebbi State as the new banner on its official X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook pages.
The facility, jointly funded by FIFA and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) under the FIFA Forward Programme, was designed to promote grassroots football. However, FIFA’s decision to showcase the incomplete structure has stirred public debate and accusations of financial mismanagement against the NFF.
The viral image, which showed the half-completed mini-stadium, quickly drew sharp reactions from Nigerians, many of whom viewed it as an indirect criticism of the NFF’s handling of development funds.
Football critic Chinedu Mobike added fuel to the controversy with a viral Instagram video on October 23, 2025, accusing the NFF of mismanaging “$1.2 million” meant for stadium projects in Kebbi and Ugborodo, Delta State.
“Other countries used FIFA funds to develop real football infrastructure, but Nigeria has little to show,” Mobike said. “The NFF should sit up. There are no active projects promoting football or sports in Nigeria.”
In response, the NFF issued a statement the following day, October 24, titled “NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle.”
The federation dismissed the claims as misinformation, insisting that all FIFA and CAF funds are allocated for specific projects and subject to annual audits.
“FIFA Forward funds are strictly regulated, monitored, and audited at every stage,” the statement read. “Funds are tied to development projects, such as the FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches at the MKO Abiola Stadium.”
The NFF also described Mobike’s figures as “fictitious” and warned critics against spreading falsehoods about its financial operations.
Despite the clarification, online reactions remained divided. While some viewed FIFA’s banner update as recognition of Nigeria’s inclusion in its global programme, others saw it as a veiled rebuke.
User @Poka741997 commented: “FIFA updating their header is symbolic. It’s recognition, even if the project isn’t complete.”
Another user, #_AsiwajuLerry, disagreed: “FIFA changed their header to the $1.2m stadium built by NFF. Global embarrassment.”
The Birnin Kebbi project, first announced in 2020 during former governor Abubakar Atiku Bagudu’s tenure, was intended to serve as a grassroots football hub. Kebbi State contributed ₦19 million in land compensation and provided four hectares for construction.
FIFA had previously described the Kebbi facility as part of its mission to expand youth football access in Nigeria, alongside a similar pitch under construction in Ugborodo, Delta State.
As of press time, FIFA had not issued any official explanation for using the Kebbi stadium image on its social media banner.
Observers say the incident highlights growing demands for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s football administration.
