By Azuka Chiemeka
The Ugborodo FIFA stadium project, once hailed as a beacon of local empowerment and sporting development in Nigeria, has tragically turned into a case study of failed execution, abandoned hope, and the betrayal of Nigeria’s local content aspirations.
In 2020, under FIFA’s Forward 2.0 programme, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) secured approval for the construction of two mini-stadiums one in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, and the other in Ugborodo, Delta State.
With growing confidence in indigenous sports manufacturers like OWU, Zenith, Haggai, Cone, and Aba-based producers, expectations were high that Nigerian firms could also play a central role in facility construction.Former NFF President and Ugborodo native, Mr. Amaju Pinnick, saw an opportunity to deepen the local content drive. While the Birnin Kebbi contract went to Enron Construction, Pinnick championed the award of the Ugborodo project to Monimichelle Sports Construction Company, led by Bayelsa-born contractor Mr. Ebi Egbe.
The contract was formally signed on September 15, 2020.The Ugborodo project carried deep symbolic significance. Situated in the oil-rich Escravos region, which contributes approximately 29% of Nigeria’s crude oil, the area has long felt marginalized in terms of federal presence.
The stadium was envisioned as a means of youth empowerment, regional inclusion, and peace-building. Trust was extended across ethnic lines, as an Ijaw contractor was entrusted with delivering a landmark project in Itsekiri land. Pinnick went beyond advocacy. He reportedly funded initial documentation, secured necessary approvals, and personally led the contractor on community engagements with Ugborodo elders and youth.
His commitment inspired the Delta State Government under Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to award an access road construction to the site.
However, four years later, optimism has given way to frustration. While the Birnin Kebbi stadium has long been completed and commissioned, the Ugborodo project remains in a state of abandonment. Despite the disbursement of $650,000 approximately 55% of the $1.1 million contract sum Monimichelle’s progress has halted after mere site clearing and an incomplete spectator stand.
In a 2022 interview with BSN Sports, Mr. Egbe admitted to receiving the funds but claimed that around 15% was deducted by the NFF for taxes and bank charges deductions he argued were unjustified.
The NFF, however, maintains that such deductions adhered to global best practices, also applied to Enron without issue. Alarmingly, the contractor later applied for a variation, citing ignorance of the site’s difficult terrain due to his failure to conduct a prior inspection an admission that stunned stakeholders, considering the firm’s touted pedigree.
Following multiple inspections, the NFF concluded that the work done did not match the funds released and withheld further disbursements pending visible progress.
In a bid to salvage the situation, Mr. Pinnick personally loaned Monimichelle $100,000 and later ₦5 million both backed by signed agreements but saw no improvement on site. With no repayment or progress, Pinnick petitioned the police. Monimichelle acknowledged receiving the funds but insisted repayment hinged on the release of the balance from the NFF.
The deadlock led to contract termination, and the NFF is now exploring collaboration with the National Sports Commission and legal avenues to recover the disbursed funds.
Regrettably, Pinnick’s noble effort has attracted political attacks and unfounded allegations. Social media critics, including Yemi Otuedon, have accused him of using the project as a front to acquire land despite the fact that no such land was allocated to him. Pinnick’s extensive contributions to the Itsekiri nation remain overlooked.
These include the FIFA-approved synthetic pitch at Ode-Itsekiri (Big Warri), commissioned by the Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III; sponsorship of the “Warri Again” concert; the development of sports courts at Hussey College, Warri, and Government College, Ughelli through the Brownhill Foundation; and scholarships worth hundreds of millions of naira to indigenes and non-indigenes alike, including full sponsorship of the children of late sports journalist Timi Ebikagboro.
Ironically, the Hussey College astro turf project also awarded to Monimichelle has faced similar abandonment. Despite over 90% of the payment and full delivery of materials, work remains stalled.
However, Pinnick is prepared to reassign the contract to a standby contractor once legal arbitration in Lagos is concluded and Monimichelle’s contract is officially terminated.
Compounding the situation is a long-standing rift between Pinnick and fellow Itsekiri indigene Mr. Harrison Jalla, former chairman of the defunct National Association of Nigerian Footballers (NANF).
Jalla’s repeated corruption allegations against Pinnick, though dismissed by courts and law enforcement, have continued to fuel public misperceptions. Their fallout reportedly originated from Pinnick’s decision not to award Jalla a renovation contract, citing capacity concerns.
In 2022, Pinnick filed a criminal defamation petition against Jalla, which remains pending at the Federal High Court in Warri.Today, the Ugborodo stadium project stands incomplete a symbol of what could have been.
It is a sober reminder that even the most well-intentioned initiatives can be derailed by poor execution and political undercurrents. While Pinnick has been cleared of wrongdoing, the community and stakeholders continue to wait for justice, resolution, and the completion of a dream that has turned into a heartbreak.
