Sports
Ugborodo’s abandoned FIFA project
Pinnick and Monimichelle accuse each other of being responsible for the project’s abandonment, while the public remains in the dark about what funds were released, how they were utilised, and why the project has been put on hold.
(Vanguard): When former FIFA President, Joseph S. Blatter, launched the FIFA Goal Project in 1999, the initiative was envisioned as a catalyst for global football development; one that would help countries build modern training grounds, nurture grassroots talents and strengthen the structures of football administration.
For many nations, the project has been nothing short of transformative.
In Nigeria, however, the story is painfully familiar.In 2020, FIFA approved the construction of two mini-stadiums: one in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State and another in Ugborodo, Delta State; each valued at $1.2 million.
While the Kebbi facility, built by Enron Construction, now stands completed, the Ugborodo project has become mired in controversy, delay and finger-pointing. And once again, Nigerians are left asking: How did we get here?
Launched with enthusiasm, the Ugborodo mini-stadium was celebrated as a project that would unite the Itsekiri, Ilaje, and Ijaw communities.
Delta State officials promised full support, applauding FIFA and the NFF for selecting the community.
Yet today, the site, awarded to Monimichelle Sports Construction Company under the leadership of then NFF President Amaju Pinnick, has become a symbol of yet another failed infrastructure dream.
While the Kebbi facility, built by Enron Construction, now stands completed, the Ugborodo project has become mired in controversy, delay and finger-pointing.
The stalled project is not just a physical eyesore, it is a metaphor for the deeper malaise afflicting Nigeria’s sports development ecosystem.
At a time when the nation continues to produce exceptional football talents against all odds, the very infrastructure meant to nurture these talents is either non-existent, ill-maintained or abandoned.
Worse still, the key actors are now trading blame instead of providing answers.
Pinnick and Monimichelle accuse each other of being responsible for the project’s abandonment, while the public remains in the dark about what funds were released, how they were utilised, and why the project has been put on hold.
Nigerians deserve better than recycled excuses. They deserve accountability.
The FIFA Goal Project operates with strict implementation and reporting standards.
If Nigeria cannot properly manage a $1.2 million mini-stadium, what message does that send about our seriousness in sports administration?
Why has no one been held accountable? How much was disbursed? What are the deliverables? Who failed to meet them?The Ugborodo embarrassment should be a turning point.
Every FIFA-funded or assisted project in Nigeria must henceforth undergo independent auditing, transparent, publicly accessible reporting and community-level monitoring to prevent abandonment and diversion.
Sports infrastructure is not a political souvenir to be handed out for patronage. It is a national asset with long-term developmental value.
Treating such projects casually undermines the opportunities for young athletes. It erodes public trust.
Ugborodo should therefore stand as a wake-up call, not another forgotten statistic in Nigeria’s long list of uncompleted projects.
And Nigeria must finally learn to move from fanfare to follow-through, from ceremonial ground-breaking to sustained institution-building.
Our young talents deserve better and more.
Sports
Man United set to confirm Carrick as permanent coach
Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Photo: Michael Carrick
Manchester United is set to confirm Michael Carrick as its permanent manager, ending weeks of speculation about the club’s managerial future.
” The deal is expected to be either a two-year contract with the option to extend, or a straight three-year deal. Carrick has given his full agreement and is ready to sign the contract,” said football journalist, Fabrizio Romano.
According to Romano, a new contract is now set to be signed in the coming days, with the plan fully approved by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the club’s new leadership structure.
The former Manchester United midfielder and coach has impressed the hierarchy with his work since stepping in as interim manager.
Carrick’s deep knowledge of the club, calm leadership, and tactical approach are believed to have convinced the board that he is the right man to take the team forward.
Carrick has reversed Manchester United’s fortune as they now look set for a return to the UEFA Champions League.
Sports
FIFA confirms release of official World Cup 2026 song “Dai Dai” by Shakira, Burna Boy
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has confirmed the release of “Dai Dai,” the official anthem for the FIFA World Cup 2026 track via Sony Music Latin and its immediate availability on all major streaming platforms.
“Dai Dai” was performed by global superstar Shakira in an collaboration with Nigerian Afrobeats sensation Burna Boy.
Featuring motivational lyrics centered on resilience, ambition, and unity, “Dai Dai” pays homage to football legends including Pelé, Diego Maradona, Paolo Maldini, Romário, Cristiano Ronaldo, Andrés Iniesta, David Beckham, Kaká, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and Mohamed Salah.
The Colombian singer made the announcement herself on social media on Friday, posting: “Dai Dai is here. The @FIFAWorldCup 2026 starts now!”
“Dai Dai” also celebrates various football nations such as Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, the United States, England, Germany, France, South Africa, Spain, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands.
Beyond its infectious rhythm, the anthem carries a meaningful purpose. All royalties from “Dai Dai” will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which aims to raise $100 million by the end of the tournament.
Sports
Madonna, Shakira, BTS to headline FIFA World Cup final halftime show
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
Pop music superstars Shakira, Madonna and BTS are set to headline the World Cup’s first-ever halftime performance, which is slated to take place July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J.Organisers are calling the halftime show a “singular moment’ that will be broadcast live globally.
The halftime show lineup was announced yesterday by Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, who is curating the show.
In the announcement, Martin took performance suggestions from several Muppets, including Elmo, Miss Piggy and Cookie Monster.
“How about Madonna? Elmo loves Madonna,” Elmo said. The beloved Sesame Street character then called BTS on speed dial to confirm whether they would join the show.
“Shakira’s in, and she’s bringing cookies,” said Elmo.
The selection of musical acts appears to be a reflection of the international teams reflected in the World Cup, per the Washington Post.
Shakira, from Colombia, was scheduled to release “Dai Dai,” the official World Cup song, yesterday. The song also features Nigerian singer Burna Boy.
The “Whenever, Wherever” singer is no stranger to World Cup anthems, having previously sung “Waka Waka” in 2010 and “La La La” in 2014.
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