By Ireti Asemota
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has clarified that FIFA, not the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), directly handled the $1.19 million Birnin-Kebbi mini-stadium project, following allegations of financial mismanagement within the NFF.
In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Dikko responded to claims suggesting that the NFF had misused FIFA funding designated for grassroots football development and stadium construction. The focus of these allegations was the FIFA-funded mini-stadium in Brinin-Kebbi, which was part of FIFA’s Forward Programme .
The controversy intensified after FIFA shared an image of the unfinished stadium on social media in 2023, sparking public backlash over how the $1.19 million had been spent. Many Nigerians questioned the discrepancies between the allocated funds and the state of the project.
Dikko vehemently denied the accusations, stating that “no one collected the money.” He further explained that FIFA directly manages all aspects of its funded projects. “The role of the NFF is to provide the land. FIFA oversees the entire process, including appointing contractors and handling payments,” Dikko said.
Having previously delivered a FIFA Goal project in Nigeria, Dikko emphasized FIFA’s hands-on approach to its projects. “FIFA takes full control of project management, from selecting contractors to supervising contracts and making payments,” he added.
Regarding the delays and cost differences, Dikko attributed the discrepancies to changes in the exchange rate over the years. “The project was approved in 2015, with procurement starting in 2016. At that time, the dollar-to-naira value was different,” he said. Delays in securing land and finalizing documentation pushed the project’s foundation and contract signing to 2020, after which FIFA’s appointed contractor began the work.
Dikko reiterated that FIFA’s structure ensures that the governing body appoints consultants, manages contracts, and directly pays contractors, leaving the NFF with no access to the funds or control over project execution.
