$1.2m stadium fund: Pinnick refutes misappropriation allegations on FIFA project

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement related to the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State. Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick dismissed the accusations as “completely misconstrued,” stressing that FIFA exercises stringent oversight on all Goal Projects. “If FIFA gives you their […]

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has strongly denied allegations of financial mismanagement related to the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick dismissed the accusations as “completely misconstrued,” stressing that FIFA exercises stringent oversight on all Goal Projects.

“If FIFA gives you their money, they audit that money. They know everything from A to Z, and they have standards. So, if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was that in naira? Less than ₦400 million. That’s what people don’t realize,” he explained.

Pinnick further clarified that the project followed due process from start to finish, noting that no additional funds were requested or approved despite delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“There was no variation despite the challenges. Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,” he added.

The former NFF boss urged Nigerians to seek verified information before making public accusations, emphasizing that his tenure was marked by transparency, accountability, and adherence to FIFA’s financial regulations.

The FIFA Goal Project, an initiative aimed at improving football infrastructure globally, has drawn public scrutiny in Nigeria over the state of certain facilities built under the programme. Pinnick maintained, however, that the Kebbi project was properly executed and fully audited in line with FIFA’s standards.