Nigerian Man Calls Out NFF Over Alleged Mismanagement of $2.4 Million FIFA Funds for Stadium Projects

Social media has once again erupted after a Nigerian man took to his page to call out the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged mismanagement of FIFA funds meant for two football development projects in the country. According to him, FIFA reportedly gave the NFF $1.2 million for the construction of a mini-stadium in Kebbi State and another $1.2 million for a similar project in Ugborodo, Delta State, yet nothing tangible has been done. His bold accusation has stirred serious reactions online, with many Nigerians demanding answers from the football body.

In the viral video making the rounds on Instagram and X, the man expressed deep frustration, questioning how such huge sums of money could be allocated for the projects with little or no visible results. He stated that the Nigerian civil society and anti-corruption bodies must investigate how the funds were spent, adding that it was shameful for a country with so much football talent to be dragged into such a scandal. “FIFA gave you $1.2 million for one stadium and another $1.2 million for another one. Where are the stadiums?” he said in the video that has now garnered thousands of views.

The man’s comments have reignited widespread criticism of the NFF, with Nigerians accusing the football authority of corruption and lack of transparency. Many online users pointed out that if $2.4 million truly came into the country for football infrastructure, there should be something visible to show for it. However, the pictures circulating online of the so-called “FIFA-funded stadium” in Kebbi State have left people speechless. The facility, which FIFA proudly posted as a success story on its page under the FIFA Forward Programme, appears to be a basic field with grass and a fence—nothing close to a modern stadium.

What was meant to be a symbol of progress has now turned into a national embarrassment. Nigerians on social media have not held back their disappointment, with many describing the project as “a grass field worth billions.” Comments under the viral posts were filled with outrage and disbelief, as users compared the Kebbi project to similar FIFA-funded facilities in other African countries that look far more developed and functional. “This is what they call a $1.2 million stadium? In which economy?” one user wrote. Another added, “FIFA should come and see what their money turned into in Nigeria. This is a disgrace.”

Prominent Nigerians have also weighed in. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi publicly criticized the NFF, calling the project a complete embarrassment. According to him, “The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi does not reflect the amount claimed to have been spent.” His statement added more pressure to the football federation as Nigerians continued to demand accountability. Obi emphasized that such cases highlight why Nigeria’s development continues to suffer—because even projects backed by international organizations are not exempt from mismanagement and lack of transparency.

The FIFA Forward Programme, under which the funds were released, is a global initiative aimed at supporting member associations in developing infrastructure and promoting grassroots football. Each country that benefits is expected to present verifiable projects and undergo independent audits. However, the Nigerian case has raised serious concerns about how these funds are being utilized locally. Many Nigerians are now asking if FIFA itself properly monitors what its partners do with the funds once disbursed.

While outrage continues to build, the NFF has issued a statement denying any wrongdoing. The federation maintained that all funds received from FIFA and CAF are strictly audited and used for their intended purposes. It also stated that the Kebbi and Ugborodo projects are part of ongoing development efforts, urging Nigerians not to jump to conclusions. But that explanation has not calmed public anger. Most Nigerians argue that the physical evidence speaks louder than words, and what they have seen so far does not justify the millions of dollars reportedly spent.

Civil society groups and football lovers have now joined calls for a full investigation. Some are urging the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) to step in and audit the FIFA funds. Others are calling on FIFA itself to send an independent inspection team to verify what has been built with its money in Nigeria. The growing sentiment among Nigerians is that enough is enough—if the football body cannot manage funds meant to develop the game, then it should face consequences.

The incident has also sparked conversations about the general state of football infrastructure in Nigeria. Despite producing world-class players who shine in Europe, the country continues to lack proper training grounds, pitches, and development facilities at home. Many see this as a symptom of a deeper problem—where funds that could transform Nigerian sports are misused or wasted through poor management. As one football enthusiast put it, “We have the players, we have the passion, but we don’t have the system. Because the system is always eating the money before it reaches the field.”

The Kebbi mini-stadium at the center of this controversy was reportedly inaugurated with fanfare, with local officials and NFF representatives present. But images from the location tell a different story—an underwhelming structure that looks more like a community training ground than a million-dollar facility. The difference between what was promised and what was delivered has left many Nigerians feeling deceived. If the Ugborodo project turns out the same, the outcry is expected to double.

Meanwhile, FIFA has not issued any official reaction to the controversy, and the NFF continues to insist that the allegations are exaggerated. But Nigerians are not backing down. The influencer who started the viral conversation has gained even more support, with thousands reposting his video and tagging FIFA, the NFF, and government agencies demanding an explanation. Many are also calling on journalists and watchdog organizations to follow up on the story until the truth comes out.

At this point, the situation has moved beyond social media chatter. It has become a reflection of how Nigerians feel about accountability in the country’s public sector. When projects tied to international bodies like FIFA are already raising eyebrows, it only deepens the distrust citizens have for institutions back home. People are angry because football is one thing that unites the nation, and seeing its progress stalled by allegations of corruption is heartbreaking.

As the debate rages, one thing is clear—Nigerians are demanding more transparency from those in charge of their beloved sport. Whether through a proper audit or an independent investigation, they want to see where the $2.4 million went. Until then, the image of that simple field in Kebbi will continue to haunt the NFF as a symbol of everything wrong with football administration in Nigeria.

The viral video that started this movement may just be one man’s voice, but it has echoed across the country. Nigerians are watching, waiting, and demanding answers—not just for the sake of accountability, but for the future of Nigerian football itself.