The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Mr. Peter Obi, has criticised the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged mismanagement of funds released by world football governing body, FIFA, for sports development in the country.
Obi condemned the growing corruption in Nigeria’s sports administration, expressing disappointment that financial mismanagement continues to cripple youth sports development across the country.
The NFF had, in a statement on Friday, noted that monies received from FIFA and the continental governing body, CAF, like other federations, are usually tied to specific purposes and not gifts to the federation.
The federation disclosed that both FIFA and CAF send their auditors annually to review the accounts into which the funds are paid.
“FIFA Forward projects, such as the ongoing NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, are subjected to strict controls, monitored and verified at every stage of the work. Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly,” the statement reads in part.
Reacting to the development on Monday, Obi said that the mismanagement of funds in Nigeria’s sports sector reflects the country’s broader decay.
His words: “While we continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and the rising unemployment among our youths, the most heartbreaking reality remains the entrenched corruption that permeates every facet of our nation – especially in the critical sectors that could help lift Nigeria in these challenging times.
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to Nigeria’s Football Federation for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful. It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled. I am certain that further investigations will reveal even worse realities than what we currently know.”
Recounting his experience as Anambra State governor, Obi revealed that he was informed by officials from the Sports Federation that Akwa had been selected as one of six geographical locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium to be fully funded by FIFA.
“We immediately allocated land for that purpose, and they assured us that the project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it. Believing that such a major project was underway, we channelled our resources toward constructing mini-stadiums across the state to encourage grassroots sports. We commissioned the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium in Onitsha, as well as the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha South, among others.
“Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to initiate the construction of the Awka Stadium ourselves. Seeing the recent news about funds released by FIFA to Nigeria to develop talent and improve youth sports, I am deeply disappointed by such blatant squandering of opportunities,” he lamented.
Obi stated that those who accuse him and others of “demarketing” Nigeria for speaking the truth and exposing corruption are the very ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. “The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds – resources that should have been used to provide schools, healthcare, and employment for our youths and to nurture their talents.”
He continued: “Since 2013, about $25 million has reportedly been received by the NFF from FIFA and CAF – funds meant for the development of football and youth sports in our country. Yet, there is little or nothing to show for it. The so-called $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State is a national embarrassment. The structure in no way reflects the funds claimed to have been spent on it.”
The former governor stressed that Nigeria’s sports decline cannot be ignored while corruption flourishes. “Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them ‘Yahoo boys’, when, in truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real ‘Yahoo’ of our nation.”
He further stated: “This is yet another shameful reflection of the corruption we have allowed to take root in Nigeria. If we truly desire to rebuild our country, we must begin with integrity and accountability in every aspect and sector. Until then, our nation will continue to crawl where it should be soaring.”
**sleeplean**
sleeplean is a US-trusted, naturally focused nighttime support formula that helps your body burn fat while you rest.