The Chairman of the Kebbi State Football Association (FA), Abubakar Ladan, has clarified that the FIFA-standard mini-stadium in Birnin Kebbi is fully managed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), despite the state’s role in providing land and limited support for the project.
Speaking with journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Ladan said the state government allocated four hectares of land to facilitate the construction of the facility under the FIFA Forward Programme, one of the requirements for siting the project in the state.
He dismissed assumptions circulating on social media suggesting that Kebbi State controls the facility.
“It should be clearly stated that the Kebbi State Government provided the 4-hectare land for the construction of the FIFA stadium, which was part of the requirements for attracting the project,” he said.
Stadium in Active Use Since Commissioning
The FA Chairman, who is also a former Commissioner for Works in the state, confirmed that the stadium was inaugurated by FIFA officials in 2023 and has since been fully operational.
He listed competitions and activities already hosted at the venue, including:
* 2024 Governor’s Cup
* National League One Division One and Two matches
* Grassroots development programmes
* Two European scouting missions facilitated by the Kebbi FA
The stadium currently serves as the home ground of Kebbi United FC and was also used by Zamfara United FC during the most recent football season.
NFF Handles Operations and Staffing
Providing operational details, Ladan stated that all personnel running the facility are engaged directly by the NFF.
“The government is not directly involved in managing the facility. The stadium is under the control of the NFF, which has engaged a manager and supporting staff,” he said.
He added that the state government occasionally assists with maintenance efforts, including the installation of wire mesh fencing around the main pitch to meet hosting standards for the state’s football league.
Pride for Kebbi Football Community
Ladan praised the collaboration between the NFF and the state government, noting that the mini-stadium has boosted sporting activity and morale among young athletes.
“The stadium is in very good shape, and footballers in and around Kebbi are happy with it. It is serving the purpose for which it was established,” he said.
Background of Controversy
The clarification comes amid heated national debate after FIFA updated its social media banner with an image of the Birnin Kebbi stadium, showing a modest facility that sparked outrage among Nigerian football fans.
Many online critics argued that the project’s reported cost of about $1.18 million under the FIFA Forward Programme did not reflect what was delivered. The incident has amplified calls for greater transparency in football infrastructure funding and management.
FIFA has not yet issued a formal explanation for its banner selection, even as the conversation continues to gain traction across the country.
