KEY POINTS
- FIFA fund mismanagement shows Nigeria’s deep corruption.
- Obi says corruption denies youths growth and opportunity.
- Transparency and accountability are key to rebuilding trust.
Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has decried the alleged misuse of funds released by FIFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), calling it a mirror of Nigeria’s deep-rooted corruption.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi said FIFA’s revelation that money meant for stadium development and youth sports was diverted reflects the same financial recklessness crippling the nation’s progress.
“FIFA’s recent revelation about the mismanagement of funds released to the NFF for stadium development and youth talent growth is both sickening and shameful,” Obi said. “It perfectly mirrors the broader decay in how our scarce national resources are handled.”
FIFA fund mismanagement hurts youth development
The former Anambra governor recalled that his administration was informed Awka had been chosen as one of six sites for a FIFA-standard stadium, to be fully funded by FIFA. He said land was provided immediately, yet the project never materialized. “Years later, nothing came of the promised FIFA project, which prompted us to build the Awka Stadium ourselves,” he added.
Obi noted that despite Nigeria receiving around $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013, little evidence of progress exists. He cited the much-criticized $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State as “a national embarrassment.”
He said corruption had robbed Nigeria’s youth of opportunities. “Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and labeled them ‘Yahoo boys.’ While the real ‘Yahoo’ are the corrupt leaders who looted their future,” he stated.
Integrity and accountability key to rebuilding Nigeria
Obi rejected claims that reform advocates tarnish Nigeria’s image, arguing that those who loot public funds are the true “demarketers” of the country.
He further called for a renewed national commitment to transparency, accountability, and integrity across all sectors, insisting that only honest leadership can rebuild the country.
“This is another shameful reflection of the corruption we’ve allowed to thrive. If we truly desire a New Nigeria, we must start with integrity,” he concluded.
