Alhaji Abubakar Chika-Ladan, the Chairman of the Kebbi Football Association, has finally cleared the air regarding recent allegations of the misappropriation of funds and the execution of the FIFA Mini-Stadium project in Kebbi State.
In a press conference held in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, November 2, 2025, Alhaji Abubakar Chika-Ladan clarified that the project was completed more than two years ago and has been operational since then.
Chika-Ladan refuted claims circulating on social media that the mini-stadium was unfinished or poorly constructed, asserting, "The project has been completed and utilized," emphasizing its importance to local and national football activities.
He highlighted that the facility has successfully hosted numerous football competitions and served as the home ground for Kebbi United Football Club during the previous season. Additionally, Zamfara United has recently moved to Kebbi to take advantage of the venue's amenities.
Chika-Ladan emphasized that the assertions of mismanagement are unfounded and stem from individuals he described as "enemies of progress." He provided details about the management of the project, noting that it was directly overseen by FIFA, which designated both the contractor and consultant through an international competitive bidding process that was awarded to Nigerian companies.
The project, valued at approximately $1.8 million (around N400 million at the time), includes a playing pitch, a 250-seat pavilion, a medical clinic, dressing rooms for teams, officials’ accommodations, perimeter fencing, landscaping, and maintenance equipment.
Mr. Shehu Dikko, the Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), also weighed in on the matter, clarifying that FIFA managed the mini-stadium project directly, countering allegations of corruption against the National Football Federation (NFF). Dikko stated, “No one collected the money,” and reiterated FIFA’s direct involvement in its projects, explaining that the NFF's role is simply to provide land for such initiatives.
Additionally, Mr. Mansur Senchi, Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) in Kebbi, urged national leadership to address the spread of misinformation regarding the project. Senchi condemned the practice of disseminating baseless claims about the facility, emphasizing the need for accountability and truth in reporting.
The mini-stadium in Birnin Kebbi, funded through FIFA’s Forward Programme, has been under scrutiny due to public criticism of its appearance and functionality. This scrutiny intensified after FIFA featured the stadium's image on its social media platforms, sparking outrage and calls for further investigation into the matter.