FIFA Goal Project: NSC chairman dismisses allegations over fund
Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), has denied allegations of financial misappropriation, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over a week has been consistently on social media for over a $1.19 million FIFA fund for the Birnin-Kebbi mini-stadium project.
Dikko explained that the NFF did not receive or manage the funds, as the project was handled directly by FIFA under its Forward Programme.
Speaking on Channels Television's Politics Today, Dikko said, "No one collected the money. FIFA manages its projects directly. The job of the NFF is to provide the land and specify what it wants. At the end of the day, FIFA appoints and pays the contractor directly."
He added that this is standard practice for FIFA development projects, which are closely monitored for transparency.
Dikko attributed the project's modest appearance to Nigeria's fluctuating exchange rate, noting that it was approved in 2015, when the dollar rate was lower.
He also clarified that the viral photo showed only the first phase of the project, which was fully completed as planned.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives Committee on Sports has launched an investigation into the NFF's management of FIFA and CAF grants, with the Kebbi mini-stadium project being a key part of the inquiry.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun
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