New FIFA mini stadium opens for sporting activities in Kebbi

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By El-Yakub Dabai, Birnin Kebbi

The Federation of International Football Associations, (FIFA) on Friday commissioned its first mini stadium in Birnin Kebbi, which was also the first in Nigeria, four years after the contract for the project was awarded to Aron Nigeria Limited.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the stadium at Goru in Birnin Kebbi, FIFA’s Head of Development Program for Africa, Mr. Solomon Mundege said the world football body was happy with the commissioning because Kebbi now has its own facility that could be used for local matches.

“We are working on another one in Delta State. We also have another project in Abuja. We want to achieve the required standard for Nigeria such as the ones in Morocco, Tanzania and South Africa by FIFA,” Mundege added.

Governor Nadir Idris, represented by the Head of Service, Sufiyanu Garba Bena, described the project as a vital one that would not only enhance sporting activities amongst the youth but would also go a long way in reducing idleness in youths.

“The present administration under my able leadership is paying serious attention to sports development, this is evident in the revival of annual sports festival. Additionally, in line with our desire to promote sports and sporting activities, this government will continue to support clubs and associations to excel”, Governor Idris explained.

The state chairman of Kebbi State Football Association, Abubakar Cika Ladan said the commissioning of the stadium was what the football federation in the state had been waiting for.

“That project would have been completed in 2021 but because of COVID-19 and other factors. It was completed eight months ago, adding that now, clubs in the state can train from the FIFA stadium before going for their matches” he said.

The stadium was a FIFA/NFF project aimed at grassroots soccer development and was constructed at the cost of $1,183,000, while the Kebbi State Government provided the four hectares of land and paid compensation to the tune of N19,000,000 to land owners.