By Hassan Garba Buhari, Birnin Kebbi
The Chairman of the Kebbi State Football Association and Board Member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Abubakar Chika Ladan, has debunked recent insinuations alleging that the FIFA Mini Stadium in Birnin Kebbi was uncompleted, substandard, or a product of misappropriated funds.
Speaking to journalists at the facility, Alhaji Ladan described the allegations as false, mischievous, and a deliberate attempt to discredit the NFF, the Kebbi State Government, and the efforts of FIFA in developing grassroots football in Nigeria.
“We are here to show the world that the Birnin Kebbi FIFA Mini Stadium is completed, commissioned about two years ago, and has been in full use since then,” he said.
He explained that the stadium has hosted several major competitions including the Chief of Defence Staff (General C.G. Musa) Unity Cup, the Kebbi Governor’s Cup, FA Cup, and Nationwide League One (NLO) matches. The facility also serves as the home ground for Kebbi United and previously hosted Zamfara United, who temporarily relocated due to the superior facilities in Birnin Kebbi.
“The pitch is almost overused because every morning and evening, especially on weekends, young people are playing football here. So, for anybody to say the stadium is not completed or not in use is certainly an enemy of progress,” he added.
Ladan condemned those behind the misinformation, calling them enemies of football development and unpatriotic Nigerians attempting to distract attention from the nation’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
“For anybody to alleged that Nigeria has misappropriated FIFA money is not doing well for the country. Such people are enemies of football and enemies of Nigeria. Their aim is to divert attention from our national goals through unnecessary controversies,” he said.
He clarified that the FIFA Mini Stadium projects across Nigeria were fully funded, constructed, and supervised by FIFA, not by the NFF, with a total project allocation of $1.18 million (approximately ₦400 million at the time).
“Even the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, has confirmed that the entire project was executed under FIFA’s direct supervision. The quality of work done speaks for itself — from the pitch to the pavilion and supporting facilities,” he stated.
The Birnin Kebbi FIFA Mini Stadium features a 220-seater pavilion, dressing rooms for teams A and B, a medical clinic, official offices, and perimeter fencing, all constructed to FIFA standards.
Alhaji Ladan explained that FIFA approved two Mini Stadiums in Nigeria — one for the North and one for the South. While the northern project in Birnin Kebbi has been completed and commissioned, the southern counterpart is reportedly yet to take off.
“Instead of condemning the Birnin Kebbi Mini Stadium as substandard or claiming FIFA funds were misused, they should first ask about the whereabouts of the southern project. Their motive is clear, it is intendent to distract and discredit success where it has been achieved,” he noted.
Meanwhile, a group of young footballers and beneficiaries of the FIFA Mini Stadium project staged a peaceful demonstration at the venue, carrying placards with various inscriptions expressing support for the NFF and condemning the false claims trending on social media.
Adding his voice, Com Mansur Danjuma Sanchi, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Kebbi State Chapter, also condemned the actions of those spreading the baseless allegations, describing them as unpatriotic elements bent on destroying the reputation of the NFF and undermining genuine football development in Nigeria.
He commended the NFF and FIFA for their foresight in investing in infrastructure that benefits young players and promotes grassroots sports across the state.
Alhaji Ladan further expressed appreciation to former NFF President Amaju Pinnick, current President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi for their continuous commitment to football growth, as well as Kebbi State Governor Dr. Nasir Idris (Kauran Gwandu) for supporting sports development.
“These are the people who have brought international attention and lasting infrastructure to our state. We, the beneficiaries, stand to defend the truth and condemn those trying to tarnish Nigeria’s image before the international community,” he concluded
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