Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has dismissed allegations of financial mismanagement surrounding the FIFA Goal Project in Kebbi State.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News, Pinnick described the claims as “completely misconstrued,” emphasizing that FIFA maintains strict financial supervision over all Goal Projects.
”If FIFA gives you their money, they audit that money they know everything from A to Z, and they have standards. So, if the contract was about $1.1 million in 2020, how much was that in naira? Less than ₦400 million. That’s what people don’t realize,” he explained.
He further stated that the project strictly followed due process and that no extra funds were requested or approved, even after construction delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“There was no variation despite the challenges. Everything went according to plan. You can hate Amaju Pinnick, but love Nigerian football,” he added.
Pinnick urged Nigerians to verify information before making public accusations, insisting that his administration was guided by transparency and accountability.
The FIFA Goal Project, designed to enhance football infrastructure globally, has generated mixed reactions in Nigeria due to concerns about the condition of some facilities built under the initiative