Pinnick breaks silence on FIFA goal project controversy, denies mismanagement claims

Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has refuted allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding the FIFA-funded Goal Project in Kebbi State, insisting that the widespread criticism is rooted in a “misinterpretation” of the project’s scope.

The controversy erupted after a viral FIFA photograph showed the Kebbi Stadium under the FIFA Forward Programme appearing incomplete, despite reports that about $1.2 million had been provided for the project. The image, captured in 2023, fueled nationwide outrage and raised questions about how the funds were utilized.

Reacting to the controversy, Pinnick stressed that the project was never intended to be a full-scale stadium construction, noting that FIFA’s development initiative focuses on grassroots facilities rather than major sporting arenas.

His explanation aligns with comments by House Committee on Sports Chairman, Kabiru Amadu, who earlier clarified that FIFA does not build standard stadiums for countries, contrary to public assumptions surrounding the Kebbi project.

Speaking on ARISE News on Wednesday, Pinnick defended the transparency of the project, emphasising that FIFA’s strict financial oversight ensures proper use of funds.

“If FIFA gives you their money, they audit their money, they know A to Z, and they have standards. So if the contract was about 1.1 million dollars, 1.1 million dollars in 2020, how much was it in naira? Less than 400 million naira. That’s what people don’t know.

“Everything went according to plan. And even in the contract, I can share it; it was stated clearly that there was no variation. COVID came, and after COVID, you started building your workers on site and COVID, and everybody had to go. There was no additional dime to the contract, no variation, even in spite of COVID. There was a time in Nigerian football, I said, listen, you can hate Amaju Pinnick but love Nigerian football. Love Nigerian football.”

Pinnick urged Nigerians to verify facts before making judgments, highlighting that his administration is committed to accountability and the growth of football in the country. “So I just want to appeal, let us get our facts right before we come out to the public and start saying things,” he added.

The House of Representatives, however, on Tuesday resolved to set up a special committee to investigate FIFA and Confederation of African Football grants totalling $25 million given to the NFF.