Pinnick chides critics over alleged misuse of FIFA grants

A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA Men’s Competitions Committee Deputy Chairperson, Amaju Pinnick, has defended the controversial $1.2 million Kebbi Stadium project, insisting that it was executed transparently, in line with global standards and Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act. Speaking on Arise Television yesterday, Pinnick refuted allegations that funds from FIFA’s […]

A former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and FIFA Men’s Competitions Committee Deputy Chairperson, Amaju Pinnick, has defended the controversial $1.2 million Kebbi Stadium project, insisting that it was executed transparently, in line with global standards and Nigeria’s Public Procurement Act.

Speaking on Arise Television yesterday, Pinnick refuted allegations that funds from FIFA’s Forward Programme were mismanaged. He clarified that the NFF acted only as a conduit while FIFA managed the project directly under strict contractual and milestone-based procedures.

“The processes, protocols, and procedures used to award those contracts were global and in line with our Public Procurement Act. Everything went through the books,” he said.

He explained that Aeron Construction Company, which won the open bid, had a proven track record in sports infrastructure, including work on Abeokuta Stadium and Teslim Balogun Stadium.

Pinnick who is also the presidential advisor to the CAF President maintained that the $1.2 million—equivalent to N400 million at the time—covered a synthetic turf, underground drainage, and foundation works without cost variation even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Responding to public outrage over the stadium’s modest appearance, Pinnick stated that critics failed to understand the scope and technical depth of the project.

“When FIFA showcased the pitch, it was to show that deep in the hinterlands of Nigeria, football is being played,” he explained, adding that the stadium now serves as home to Kebbi United and Zamfara United, hosting multiple tournaments.

He lamented that misinformation and harsh criticism were damaging Nigeria’s global image and credibility. “People should not just open their vocal cavity and start attacking this country. We’ve lost a lot because of unnecessary aspersions,” Pinnick said.

Pinnick concluded by urging Nigerians to protect national institutions rather than malign them. “We must defend our institutions where necessary and project our country positively. Nigeria remains the best and sweetest country on this continent,” he asserted.