The Chairman of the Kebbi State Football Association, Abubakar Ladan, has set the record straight on the ownership and management of the FIFA-standard stadium in Birnin Kebbi, explaining that the facility is under the direct supervision of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), not the state government.
Naija News gathered that FIFA reignited debate on social media after featuring an image of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium on its official đť•Ź and Facebook pages.
The photo, which showed a partly furnished section of the arena, quickly went viral, sparking conversations across Nigeria about the project’s state and ownership.
Built under the FIFA Forward Programme, the Birnin Kebbi Stadium represents part of FIFA’s ongoing efforts to boost grassroots football infrastructure and talent development in Nigeria.
Ladan, who once served as Kebbi State Commissioner for Works, spoke with Punch in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday following growing speculation about who coordinated the construction of the stadium.
He explained that the Kebbi State Government’s role was limited to providing the land for the project, which was one of FIFA’s conditions before construction could begin.
“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 siting the project in the state,” Ladan said.
According to him, FIFA officials completed and inaugurated the project in 2023 and has since been in active use. The stadium currently serves as the home ground for Kebbi United FC, while Zamfara United FC also played there during the last football season.
“Since its commissioning, the stadium has hosted several competitions, including the 2024 Governor’s Cup and National League One Division One and Two matches,” he said. “It has also hosted development programmes and two European scouting missions sponsored by the Kebbi State Football Association.”
Ladan clarified that the NFF runs the stadium directly through a management team appointed by the football body. However, the Kebbi State Government still provides occasional support to maintain the facility.
“The government is not directly involved in managing the facility, but it has helped to fence the main pitch with wire mesh to make it suitable for Kebbi league matches,” he added.
He praised the state government for its continued commitment to football development, describing the stadium as a symbol of pride for players and fans across Kebbi.
“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 added.
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