The presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr Peter Obi, has condemned the reported mismanagement of funds released by FIFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing it as “a shameful reflection of Nigeria’s deeper malaise.”
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi said the alleged corruption in sports mirrors the broader decay in the nation’s public institutions, where resources meant for development are routinely diverted.
He expressed deep disappointment over FIFA’s recent revelation that funds allocated for stadium development and youth talent growth in Nigeria were mismanaged, saying the situation was “both sickening and shameful.”
“I am certain that further investigations will reveal even worse realities than what we currently know,” Obi stated.
The former Anambra State governor recalled that during his tenure, Awka was selected as one of six locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium. This project was to be fully funded by FIFA.
“We immediately allocated land for that purpose and were assured that the project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it,” he said.
Obi explained that, believing the project would proceed, his administration focused on building mini-stadiums across the state to promote grassroots sports. These included the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium and the Godwin Achebe Stadium in Onitsha.
He noted that after the FIFA project failed to materialise, the Anambra government had to initiate and complete the construction of the Awka Stadium independently.
Reacting to reports that the NFF had received approximately $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013 for youth and football development, Obi stated that there was little to show for the funds.
“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,” he lamented.
Obi also criticised those who accuse reform-minded citizens of “demarketing Nigeria” for exposing corruption, saying the real problem lies with corrupt leaders who have “forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds.”
“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 stated.
Obi concluded by emphasising that integrity and accountability must be the foundation for rebuilding Nigeria, warning that the country would continue to “crawl where it should be soaring” if corruption remains unchecked.
“A new Nigeria is possible,” he added.
