Obi Slams Corruption In Nigerian Sports Says FIFA Fund Abuse Exposes National Decay

Former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticised the alleged mismanagement of funds released by FIFA to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), describing it as a clear sign of the deep-rooted corruption weakening the country.

In a statement on Sunday, Obi expressed concern over FIFA’s revelation that funds meant for football infrastructure and youth development in Nigeria had been diverted. He said the situation mirrored the broader culture of financial recklessness that has stifled the country’s growth for decades.

Obi recalled that during his tenure as governor, Awka was among six cities chosen for the construction of a FIFA-funded standard stadium. According to him, land was allocated immediately, but the project never materialised. He said his administration eventually built the Awka Stadium using state resources after the FIFA plan failed.

He noted that Nigeria had received around $25 million from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) since 2013 for sports development but lamented that there was nothing meaningful to show for it. Obi cited the controversial $1.2 million stadium project in Kebbi State as an example of waste and poor accountability.

The former governor said corruption in sports reflects the same moral decay seen in governance, adding that leaders who divert funds meant for national development are the true image-destroyers of the country. He argued that blaming those who speak against corruption only deepens Nigeria’s problems instead of fixing them.

Obi also linked the decay in the sports sector to the neglect of young people, whom he described as Nigeria’s greatest resource. He said the lack of investment in youth development has forced many into frustration, while those in power continue to enrich themselves.

He called for honesty, transparency, and a renewed commitment to responsible leadership, stressing that only integrity-driven governance can rebuild the country. Obi added that a new Nigeria can only emerge when public funds are managed with accountability and the welfare of the people is prioritised.