Fact or Falsehood? How FIFA/NFF Fund Controversy Sparks Political Firestorm Between Peter Obi, Reno Omokri

Fact or Falsehood? How FIFA/NFF Fund Controversy Sparks Political Firestorm Between Peter Obi, Reno Omokri 

By Niyi Busari 

A heated public debate has erupted following remarks by former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, over reports alleging that funds provided by the Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) were mismanaged, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The controversy began after a video circulating on social media showed a sports facility said to have been built with a $1.2 million FIFA grant. The footage, which quickly went viral, sparked outrage among Nigerians who criticized the project’s apparent poor quality and questioned the transparency of the NFF’s handling of the funds.

In a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Obi expressed deep disappointment at what he described as “heartbreaking” evidence of corruption and inefficiency in Nigeria’s sports sector. He said the alleged misuse of funds meant for football development reflected a “disregard for the aspirations of Nigerian youths” and undermined the unifying potential of sports.

Obi, known for his advocacy of transparency and accountability, urged authorities to investigate the matter and hold anyone found culpable responsible. His comments resonated widely online, prompting extensive discussions about corruption, youth development, and the credibility of Nigeria’s sports institutions.

However, Obi’s remarks also drew sharp criticism from several commentators, including Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide, who accused the Labour Party leader of spreading misinformation.

In a post on his own X account, Omokri challenged Obi’s assertions, arguing that FIFA had not accused Nigeria of corruption. He claimed the image circulated online was actually that of the Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya, a $350 million project being developed by the Kenyan government, not a $1.2 million FIFA-funded facility in Nigeria.

Omokri questioned why Obi would comment publicly without verifying the facts, accusing him of “de-marketing Nigeria” and using unsubstantiated reports to criticize the government. “Where is your patriotism?” Omokri asked, tagging FIFA’s official account and urging journalists to verify the claims directly.

As of the time of this report, the NFF has not issued an official response, and FIFA has made no public statement regarding the viral claims or the alleged misuse of its development funds.