On October 26, Dino Melaye claimed that FIFA gave $1.2 million to both Nigeria and Kenya to build stadiums in their countries.
In a tweet on X, the former Kogi governorship candidate shared an image consisting of the two supposed FIFA-funded stadiums, claiming that Nigerian administrators mismanaged the funds.
He shared the image of a FIFA-funded mini-stadium in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi state, alongside the ongoing construction of the Talanta Sports Stadium in Kenya.
“The goal was for both of them to build stadiums for football development. Our moral fabric is gone, we celebrate rogues, we honour thieves,” the tweet read.
The tweet garnered over 621k impressions, 8k likes, and 2.5k retweets.
In a slightly varied version of the tweet, another X user, @CitizenObs, claimed that both countries received $10 million each from FIFA for the stadiums. The user shared the same images used by the former senator.
BACKGROUND
Recently, social media users have raised allegations of mismanagement of funds against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Some reports alleged that NFF misappropriated FIFA funding intended for grassroots football and stadium development.
At the heart of the controversy is the FIFA-funded mini-stadium built in Birnin-Kebbi. Construction of the stadium began in 2020 and was inaugurated in 2023, with a quoted cost of $1.19 million.
FIFA sponsors the project through its “Forward Programme”, which aims to provide more comprehensive funding and support for football development projects worldwide.
The stadium is one of two projects funded under the initiative. The other project is also a mini stadium in Ugborodo, Delta state.
TALANTA SPORTS STADIUM IN KENYA
The Talanta Stadium is a multi-sports arena under construction in Nairobi, Kenya. The facility is earmarked to host matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which Kenya will co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda.
The stadium will take at least 60,000 spectators once completed. The project is fully funded by the Kenyan government and awarded to China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC).
According to The Times Kenya, a local publication, Talanta Sports City Stadium “will cost the taxpayer Sh44.7 billion,” estimated to be around $344.5 million.
The project cost was revealed in a document presented in April before the country’s legislative committee on sports and culture by Soipan Tuya, a cabinet secretary.
VERDICT
The claim that the mini-stadium in Birnin-Kebbi and the Talanta Sports Stadium in Kenya are being constructed for the same amount is false.
It is also false that FIFA funded the construction of the Talanta project. The Kenyan government will fully fund the stadium’s construction.
