Kebbi FA Chairman Abubakar Ladan has clarified that the FIFA-standard stadium in Birnin Kebbi is managed by the NFF, while the Kebbi State Government only provided the land for its construction under the FIFA Forward Programme.
The Chairman of the Kebbi State Football Association, Abubakar Ladan, has clarified that the FIFA-standard stadium located in Birnin Kebbi is managed directly by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), even though the Kebbi State Government provided the land for its construction.
Ladan, a former Commissioner for Works in the state, disclosed this in Birnin Kebbi on Saturday while addressing speculations about the ownership and control of the newly completed facility.
According to him, the state government provided four hectares of land as part of the conditions agreed upon with FIFA for establishing the project in Kebbi State.
“It should be clearly stated that the Kebbi State Government provided the four-hectare land for the construction of the FIFA Stadium, which was part of the requirements for siting the project in the state,” Ladan explained.
He noted that the stadium was completed and inaugurated by FIFA officials in 2023, and it has since been put to active use.
The facility currently serves as the home ground for Kebbi United FC, while Zamfara United FC also used it as its home venue 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. It has also hosted development programmes and two European scouting missions sponsored by the Kebbi State Football Association,” he said.
Ladan explained that the stadium is managed directly by the NFF, through a team of staff employed by the football body, while the Kebbi State Government provides occasional assistance to ensure smooth operations.
“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 stated.
He commended the state government for its continuous support of football development, adding that the stadium remains in excellent condition and has become a source of pride for players and fans across the state.
“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 concluded.
Earlier, FIFA had stirred reactions across Nigeria after showcasing the Birnin Kebbi Stadium project on its official social media pages. The image, which dates back to 2023, was used as a new banner on FIFA’s X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook accounts, sparking public debate and curiosity about the facility.
Built under the FIFA Forward Programme, the stadium represents a major step in promoting grassroots football and youth development in northern Nigeria.