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Tag: Fifa

2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia Unveil Plans for ‘Sky Stadium’

Fola Badmus04 mins

Saudi Arabia has revealed plans for the NEOM Sky Stadium, set to become the world’s first “sky stadium” and a key venue for the 2034 FIFA World Cup. The stadium will be suspended an astonishing 350 meters above the desert floor within the futuristic linear city of The Line, offering spectators a truly unique perspective on the action. Designed to hold 46,000 fans, the stadium will run entirely on renewable energy, reflecting Saudi Arabia’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure as part of Vision 2030. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with completion scheduled for 2032, leaving ample time for final preparations ahead of the tournament. The stadium will host matches from the group stage through the quarterfinals and is planned to operate year-round, doubling as a venue for concerts, sports events, and other global gatherings.   The NEOM Sky Stadium is part of a broader vision to transform sports architecture and technology. It will integrate into NEOM’s mirrored megastructure, creating a striking visual landmark while incorporating state-of-the-art cooling, lighting, and digital fan experience systems. International architectural firms with experience in high-altitude and sustainable design are leading the project in partnership with NEOM, the Saudi Ministry of Sport, and the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The total investment is estimated at $1 billion, making it one of the most ambitious stadium projects in the world. As the first stadium of its kind, NEOM Sky Stadium is expected to become a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s push for innovation and global sporting prominence. The stadium will be one of 15 venues for the 2034 World Cup, integrated into The Line, a city stretching 170 kilometres along the northwestern coast. Its elevated position and futuristic design offer fans an unparalleled experience while demonstrating the kingdom’s ambitions to combine sports, technology, and sustainability on a global stage.   Saudi Arabia has already outlined plans for 15 stadiums as part of its 2034 World Cup bid. The centerpiece is the King Salman International Stadium in Riyadh, which is expected to become the largest stadium in the kingdom, with a capacity of 92,760, by 2029, according to Arab News.   While the NEOM Sky Stadium has garnered widespread attention, it has also faced skepticism online, with some questioning the engineering feasibility of a stadium suspended at such a height. Others have praised the project as groundbreaking, positioning Saudi Arabia as a pioneer in futuristic, eco-conscious sports infrastructure. Despite broader delays in the NEOM development, initially scheduled for completion by 2039, sources indicate that the stadium’s 2034 World Cup deadline remains a priority. The project is expected to boost tourism and investment, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 diversification goals.

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FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

FIFA Under Fire For Displaying Incomplete Nigerian Stadium Built With Its Development Funds

Wale busari03 mins

FIFA has drawn widespread criticism after updating its official X (Twitter) header image to display a poorly constructed stadium in Nigeria — one allegedly built with its development funds but missing key features such as stands and seating areas. The image, which quickly went viral, shows a bare field with little to no infrastructure, sparking outrage among Nigerians who described it as a symbol of mismanagement in the nation’s football administration. The stadium, inaugurated in 2023, was financed through FIFA’s Forward Programme, a global initiative that provides funding for football infrastructure and youth development. Nigeria reportedly received $10 million under the program in 2020 to support such projects. However, the facility’s poor state has raised serious questions about how the funds were used. Many critics accused the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) of corruption and negligence, while others questioned FIFA’s oversight of its own funded projects. Online users debated whether FIFA’s use of the image was a mistake or a subtle statement highlighting accountability issues within Nigerian football. The NFF has repeatedly denied allegations of fund mismanagement, insisting that all money received from FIFA and CAF is dedicated to approved, transparent projects. Meanwhile, former Super Eagles captain Jay-Jay Okocha has announced his candidacy for NFF president, promising reforms and integrity in football governance. NFF President Ibrahim Gusau also addressed public concern over the declining standard of Nigeria’s youth teams, assuring that new initiatives are being designed to revive grassroots football and restore the country’s footballing pride. FIFA’s controversial choice of image has since ignited intense online debate, renewing calls for transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s football sector.

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NFF: Monies received from FIFA & CAF are for specific purposes, and audited in every cycle

Wale busari03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation finds it expedient to reiterate that the monies it receives from world football-governing body, FIFA and the continental governing body, CAF, like other Federations, are usually tied to specific purposes and not gifts to the Federations. The NFF said on Friday that this fresh clarification has become necessary in view of misinformation by some fellows on social media that the Federation ‘collects’ millions of dollars from FIFA on an annual basis, as if such monies were gifts to the Federation. The country’s football-governing body explained that every money received from FIFA or CAF is tied to a specific purpose, and both FIFA and CAF send their auditors to audit the accounts in which the monies are received at the end of every year. The NFF also explained that monies meant for development purposes are usually tied to specific projects and programmes, while the FIFA Forward monies are also properly specified and under strict adherence to financial regulations, compliance, monitoring and auditing at every stage of the project or program. FIFA Forward projects, such as the ongoing NFF/FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches inside the MKO Abiola National Stadium, are subjected to strict controls, monitored and verified at every stage of the work. Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly. The Federation called out the mischief of the individual reeling out fictitious figures on social media, saying he would find no reason to seek clout if he has an idea of how much it costs to organize a single match of any of the National Teams. The NFF is a disciplined organization that operates prudent and strict financial protocols that are within global financial best practices. The body has regularly presented its audited account, prepared by our auditors, PriceWaterhouseCoopers (known for its global credibility and integrity) on the floor of the Congress at every Annual General Assembly.

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Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking

Wale busari01 mins

Super Eagles Soar on FIFA Ranking By Bunmi Ogunyale Former African Champions, Nigeria’s Super Eagles have moved up four places in this month’s World football governing body, FIFA ranking. With a total of 1495.46 points, the Eric Chelle’s lads are 45th best team in the world. In the latest rankings, Nigeria have also overtaken both the African Champions, Ivory Coast and North African giants, Tunisia and trailing Senegal, Egypt and Algeria. The Nigerian side will aim at making further push up the ladder when they file out at the Continental FIFA World Cup playoffs in November. At the summit, Spain have strengthened their grip on top spot thanks to back-to-back victories, shoring up the position they seized in the previous instalment when they ended Argentina’s reign that stretched back to April 2023. The next edition of the FIFA Men’s World Ranking is slated for 21st of November.

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FIFA Confirms U.S. Government Controls 2026 World Cup Safety Decisions Following Trump Comments

Wale busari02 mins

FIFA has clarified that the U.S. government will have the final authority on safety issues for the 2026 World Cup host cities, responding to President Donald Trump’s comments suggesting matches could be relocated. Trump earlier this week said FIFA President Gianni Infantino could “very easily” move games from designated host cities if asked. His remarks followed violent incidents in South Boston, where he criticized local conditions and hinted at pulling matches from Foxborough’s Gillette Stadium if officials “don’t clean up their act.” A FIFA spokesperson told Field Level Media, “Safety and security are the top priorities at all FIFA events worldwide. Safety and security are obviously the governments’ responsibility, and they decide what is in the best interest for public safety. We hope every one of our 16 host cities will be ready to successfully host and fulfill all necessary requirements.” Trump also singled out Seattle and San Francisco as “dangerous” cities, prompting concerns that political pressure could affect venue selections just eight months before the tournament. FIFA, however, declined to comment on any specific cities or stadiums mentioned by the president.  

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World Cup Ticket Final Battle: Eagles Determined to Fight for Decent Win

Fola Badmus06 mins

Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has assured that the Super Eagles will give everything they have to secure a decent win over the Cheetahs of Benin Republic and hope for favour from Nelspruit as the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying race hits the final matchday on Tuesday.   Group C leaders Benin Republic, on 17 points, have their fate in their hands as a win over Nigeria at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium will earn them their first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket.   However, Nigeria have not missed two consecutive FIFA World Cup finals since first reaching the finals in 1994, and will throw everything into Tuesday’s battle.   Regardless of their surprising third place in the group going into the final matchday, Nigeria is the only one among the three contenders for the lone ticket from the group that has lost only one match. Both Benin Republic and second-placed South Africa, who have 15 points and host Rwanda’s Amavubi, have each lost two matches.   No doubt, the Cheetahs, now coached by former Nigeria gaffer Gernot Rohr, have conducted a campaign to be proud of, as they hunt for their first-ever ticket to the global finals. Their 17 points and two-point cushion at the top means they will live their dream if they secure a point in Uyo on Tuesday evening and South Africa fail to trounce Rwanda at Mbombela.   In contrast, Nigeria is seeking a seventh FIFA World Cup appearance, having made the Round of 16 in three of their previous three, and the spine of the Class of 2025 know this could be their only chance of sitting at world football’s highest podium.   Captain William Ekong and midfielder Alex Iwobi featured at the 2018 FIFA World Cup finals but that was a competition the Super Eagles left at the group stage, and both will surely prefer to experience another tournament with all the glitz and glamour that North America promises next summer.   Ekong, voted Man of the Competition at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations final, is set to win his 83rd cap on Tuesday while Iwobi will earn his 89th.   Top scorer and 2023 Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, defender Calvin Bassey, midfielders Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika, and forwards Simon Moses, Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman, among others, have not been to the FIFA World Cup finals.   The Cheetahs have been to only four Africa Cup of Nations finals, as against the Super Eagles’ 20 participations, and their all-time high was a quarter-final berth in Egypt six years ago, compared to Nigeria’s three titles, five runner-up positions and eight third-place finishes.   Both teams will miss a number of key players on Tuesday. Benin Republic’s central defender Yohan Roche and defensive midfielder Sessi d’Almeida are suspended, just as Nigeria’s Africa Player of the Year Lookman, with the six-time finalists also missing wing-backs Olaoluwa Aina and Bright Osayi-Samuel through injuries.   Gernot Rohr and his army will have the backing of Benin Republic’s 11.5million people, just as Nigeria’s 220 million people, including dozens of thousands who will be in the stands, will be cheering on the Super Eagles.   A two-goal win by the Super Eagles, and failure by South Africa to beat Rwanda in Nelspruit, will earn Nigeria an automatic ticket to the 23rd FIFA World Cup finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico next summer.

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My mission in FIFA Committee – Gusau

Wale busari04 mins

President of the Nigeria Football Federation and President of WAFU-B, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, MON says he is focused on making robust and meaningful contributions to the FIFA Men’s Club Competitions Committee, to which he was appointed this week by world football-governing body, FIFA. “It is a recognition and honour that I do not take for granted, and it is important to make robust contributions that will justify the confidence reposed in my person and other members by the FIFA Council, and which will also be in the interest of Nigeria, West African and the African game at large. “I am dedicated to using my professional experience to foster robust and diverse discussions, ultimately helping the committee toward informed decision-making. Personally, I will be able to provide valuable insights from the African game. My role within the NFF and WAFU-B, and as someone who attends the CAF Executive Committee as a regional president, will certainly give my contributions weight, and one will be able to effectively advocate for the interests of African football.” Gusau’s appointment, alongside a few other Nigerians, underscores the growing respect and regard that Nigeria continues to attain in the beautiful game globally, and provides ample opportunity for contributions that will further enhance that respect. “I look forward to collaborating with my committee chairman and members and making inputs into decisions that will shape the future of men’s club football globally. Our contributions can engender the rapid growth of football economies in those countries that are still lagging behind, as club football remains the clear pathway to achieving this everywhere.” Gusau’s Men’s Club Competitions Committee is headed by Jassim Rashid Al Buenain from Qatar, with Mikel Arriola from Mexico as deputy chair. Former NFF President and former FIFA Council Member, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, OFR, ROI was appointed as Deputy Chair of the FIFA Men’s National Team Competitions Committee, which is chaired by Robert Harrison from Paraguay. NFF Executive Committee Member, Aisha Falode, was appointed into the FIFA Media & Communications Committee, headed by Ivorian FA President Yacine Idriss Diallo, while former President of CAF Appeal Board, A. U. Mustapha (SAN) was appointed into the FIFA Anti-Racism and Anti-Discrimination Committee, chaired by Ghanaian FA President and CAF 2nd Vice President, Kurt Edwin-Simeon Okraku. Former Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Ayotunde Phillips, was retained as member of the FIFA Ethics Committee (Adjudicatory Council)

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Flying Eagles Crash Out from U20 World Cup

Fola Badmus05 mins

Six-time champions Argentina eliminated Nigeria from the ongoing FIFA U20 World Cup finals in Chile on Wednesday evening, winning their Round of 16 tie in Santiago 4-0 to avenge the Flying Eagles’ own triumph over them at the same stage when the Argies hosted the tournament two years ago.   Alejo Sarco scored Argentina’s first as early as the second minute, before Maher Carrizo doubled the advantage from a free-kick in the 23rd minute, disrupting Nigeria’s game-plan. Maher Carrizo’s goal came following a challenge by midfielder Nasiru Salihu at the edge of the box.   An appeal for penalty award from Nigeria was waved off by the referee despite Ramirez’s clumsy challenge on Salihu in the vital area. Oseer Achihi was a constant threat from the left wing of play, as his crosses into the box forced the Argentines to defend stoutly, conceding throw-ins and corner-kicks to relieve them of the pressure.   Daniel Daga’s stoppage-time close range effort on goal was denied by goalkeeper Santino Barbi’s superb save to keep the scoreline 2-0 at half time. Carrizo compounded matters for Nigeria with the third goal in the 53rd minute, after the South Americans broke forward once more.   Second half substitute, Matheus Silvetti beat the offside trap to bend his kick to the bottom right of Ebenezer Harcourt for Argentina’s fourth goal in the 66th minute.   Defeat meant elimination from this year’s championship for two-time silver medallists Nigeria.   2025 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals: Flamingos settle down in Casablanca   The Nigeria U17 Women’s National Team, Flamingos, arrived safely in Morocco on Wednesday, ahead of the 2025 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. The team departed Abuja early Wednesday morning at 7:18 a.m. aboard a Royal Air Maroc flight and landed in Casablanca at 11:28 a.m. Nigeria time.   On arrival at the Mohammed V International Airport, the girls were greeted with an unexpected but inspiring moment as they ran into former Super Eagles defender, Taribo West, who was en route to France. The ex-international took a few moments to speak with the players, urging them to stay disciplined, focused, and to represent Nigeria with pride and unity at the global showpiece. His words were met with smiles and applause from both players and officials.   The Flamingos have since settled into their base at the Ibis Hotel in Casablanca, where they will spend the next few days fine-tuning their preparations before heading to Rabat for the tournament proper. The team’s spirit was high upon arrival, with several players expressing excitement at the opportunity to don Nigeria’s colors on the world stage once again.   The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists held a light training session on Wednesday evening to help the players recover from jet-lag and get used to the Moroccan weather conditions. The session focused primarily on recovery, ball movement, and coordination drills.   Nigeria is drawn in Group D of the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, alongside Canada, France, and Samoa, with their opening match scheduled for Sunday, October 19. The Flamingos head into the tournament full of confidence, having played ten preparatory matches, scoring 44 goals without conceding.

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