The former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, has launched a strong critique against the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), labelling the country’s leadership as the “real Yahoo” over the alleged mismanagement of funds received from FIFA for football development.
His reaction follows recent revelations from FIFA detailing the misuse of funds released to the NFF, specifically earmarked for stadium upgrades and youth talent development programmes.
Mr Obi described the situation as “both sickening and shameful,” asserting that it reflects a broader pattern of corruption crippling the nation.
In a detailed statement, Mr Obi provided a personal account of failed promises from the sports authorities. He recalled that during his tenure as Anambra State governor, officials informed him that Awka had been selected as one of six locations for the construction of a FIFA-standard stadium, fully funded by the global football body.
“We immediately allocated land for that purpose, and they assured us that the project would be executed through the Federal Ministry of Sports. That was the last we heard of it,” Mr Obi stated.
Believing the federal project was proceeding, his administration redirected its resources to build local mini-stadiums to encourage grassroots sports. Years later, with no sign of the promised FIFA project, the state government began constructing the Awka Stadium itself.
Mr Obi expressed his profound disappointment, connecting his experience to the recent FIFA report. “Seeing the recent news about funds released by FIFA to Nigeria to develop talent and improve youth sports, I am deeply disappointed by such blatant squandering of opportunities,” he said.
The former presidential candidate challenged the narrative that criticising such acts damages the country’s reputation. “I have always maintained that those who accuse us of ‘demarketing’ Nigeria for speaking the truth and exposing corruption are the very ones who thrive on corruption and deceit. The real demarketers of Nigeria are the incompetent leaders who have forged their way to wealth through the mismanagement and theft of public funds,” he argued.
He provided figures to underscore the scale of the alleged malpractice, noting that since 2013, approximately $25 million has been received by the NFF from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). These funds were specifically intended for football and youth sports development.
“Yet, there is little or nothing to show for it,” Mr Obi declared. He singled out the “$1.2 million stadium in Kebbi State” as a “national embarrassment,” stating that the structure does not reflect the amount claimed to have been spent.
Linking the issue to the wider national context, Mr Obi delivered his most pointed criticism. “Our youths are our most prized assets, yet we have destroyed their future and then turned around to label them ‘Yahoo boys’,” he said. “In truth, the leaders who have robbed them of their future are the real ‘Yahoo’ of our nation.”
He concluded by framing the sports sector corruption as a “shameful reflection” of the decay allowed to thrive in Nigeria, maintaining that integrity and accountability are the non-negotiable foundations for a new Nigeria.
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