Deputy Chairperson of the FIFA Men’s Competitions Committee, Amaju Pinnick, has dismissed claims surrounding the Kebbi stadium project, warning that misinformation from uninformed Nigerians is damaging the country’s reputation.
He made the comments during an interview on Arise Television on Thursday.
The controversy erupted after former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, alleged that officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) misappropriated $1 million meant by FIFA for the stadium’s construction.
The claims were later rebutted by the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, who maintained that no such funds were ever received for the project.
Speaking on the matter, Pinnick emphasized that the project followed internationally accepted standards and adhered strictly to Nigeria’s Procurement Act. He explained that the tendering process was transparent, with multiple companies competing, and that the winning firm was selected based on its proven track record in delivering stadium projects across the country.
He also revealed that the contract, valued at $1.2 million (approximately ₦400 million at the time), remained unchanged despite the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Pinnick, all project documentation went through the proper administrative channels, and the construction process followed due process from inception to completion.
Pinnick’s comments aim to reassure Nigerians and the global football community that the Kebbi stadium project was executed with integrity, transparency, and in full compliance with national and international standards.
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