Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has strongly condemned the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) following revelations by FIFA alleging corruption and mismanagement of funds meant for the Goal Project.
In a post on his X handle on Monday, the former Anambra State governor described the development as “sickening and shameful,” saying it reflects the deeper rot undermining Nigeria’s governance systems.
A mirror of Nigeria’s chronic mismanagement”
Obi said FIFA’s report on the misuse of funds earmarked for stadium development and youth football growth exposes the country’s broader culture of corruption.
He noted that further investigation would likely reveal “even worse realities” than what has been reported.
“While we continue to grapple with insecurity, poverty, and mass unemployment, corruption remains the most heartbreaking reality of our nation,” Obi said. “It runs through every critical sector that should be driving Nigeria’s recovery.”
He recalled that during his tenure, Awka was selected as one of six sites for a FIFA-standard stadium, and land was provided for the project.
However, he said the plan was abandoned despite repeated assurances from the NFF and the Sports Ministry.
A national disgrace”
Obi said his government, believing the FIFA-funded project would proceed, went on to construct smaller stadiums across Anambra to promote grassroots sports, including the Chuba Ikpeazu Memorial Stadium and Godwin Achebe Stadium.
When it became clear the FIFA project had stalled, his administration initiated the construction of the Awka Township Stadium.
Commenting on recent revelations, he described the $1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State as a “national embarrassment,” saying it bears no resemblance to the funds claimed to have been spent on it.
Obi accused corrupt officials of being the true “demarketers” of Nigeria, not those who speak out against graft. “The real demarketers are those who loot public funds meant for schools, healthcare, and youth empowerment,” he said.
According to Obi, the NFF has received about $25 million from FIFA and CAF since 2013 for football and youth development but has delivered “virtually nothing tangible” in return.
He called for urgent accountability and systemic reform to restore integrity to Nigerian sports governance.