Former President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick, has warned against persistent public criticism of the federation’s financial dealings, stating that such actions are tarnishing Nigeria’s image internationally.
Speaking on Arise TV on Wednesday, November 5, Pinnick—who led the NFF from 2014 to 2022—described the ongoing allegations of corruption and fund mismanagement as unfair and damaging to the nation’s global reputation.
“We should stop maligning institutions in Nigeria. I’m just appealing because it doesn’t make us look good on the international scene,” Pinnick said.
According to Gossip News Now, the NFF has faced heavy scrutiny over alleged mismanagement of funds from the FIFA Forward 2.0 Programme, meant for the construction of two mini-stadiums reportedly valued at $1.2 million each. Despite repeated denials from the federation, many football enthusiasts on social media have accused it of financial impropriety.
Pinnick, under whose administration the FIFA grants were disbursed, defended the NFF, insisting that most of the attacks stemmed from misinformation and resentment rather than facts.
“We’re De-Marketing Nigeria”
The ex-football administrator cautioned that constant negative narratives about Nigerian institutions could cost the country opportunities to host major international sporting events.
“It de-markets this country. We just lost our bid to host the Commonwealth Games. I know what somebody told me about it,” Pinnick lamented.
“Whenever we want to host any tournament, Nigeria is almost a red flag because we de-market this country by the minute.”
He urged Nigerians to adopt a more constructive approach when holding public institutions accountable.
“If the government is doing something good, we should complement them, work with them, and pray for them,” he added.
“We don’t have any other country. Nigeria is the sweetest and best country on this continent.”
“Toxicity Is Driving People Away from Public Service”
Pinnick, who also served on the FIFA Council, said the rising levels of hostility and distrust in Nigeria’s public space discourage professionals from engaging in governance or sports administration.
“When I see people say things, it makes me not enthused to be involved in government because the toxicity, bitterness, hatred, and animosity are too much—even when they don’t know the truth,” he said.
He also lamented that Nigerians are often subjected to extra scrutiny abroad due to the country’s negative image.
“When I travel abroad, we’re double-checked simply because we’re Nigerians. I don’t even want to travel anymore,” he remarked.
On Nigeria’s Sporting Image and the Super Eagles
Pinnick linked Nigeria’s credibility challenges to broader issues affecting sports development, including logistics and fan mobility for international tournaments.
Referencing the Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, he warned that ongoing negativity could indirectly affect fan participation.
“We’ll be at the World Cup by God’s grace, but how many people can even get an American visa in Nigeria?” he asked.
While clarifying that he was not defending every action of the NFF, Pinnick stressed the need for truth-based public discourse.
“I’m not holding fault for the federation, but as an officer of the Federal Republic, it’s on us to say the truth when necessary,” he concluded.
The FIFA Forward Development Programme—under which Nigeria benefited during Pinnick’s tenure—aims to strengthen football governance and infrastructure globally. Although the NFF insists all funds were properly utilized, critics continue to demand an independent audit of the mini-stadium projects to ensure transparency and accountability.
