David GOMBE
FIFA is strengthening football development in Niger by installing two mini-pitches at CES 22 Talladje in Niamey and CES 9 Harobanda primary school, making Niger one of the first 11 countries to launch FIFA proximity pitches.
These modern, sustainable facilities provide students with a safe and inspiring space to play football. Considering the schools and nearby youth, around 10,000 young people will directly benefit. The project will have a highly positive impact, allowing youth from popular neighborhoods to play football in ideal conditions, promoting social inclusion, personal growth, and passion for sport.
Meanwhile, construction of FENIFOOT’s new headquarters, funded by the FIFA Forward program, is progressing. The six floor building marks a historic milestone for the Nigerien Football Federation, offering a professional and structured environment for football development in the country. It aligns with FENIFOOT’s strategy to improve infrastructure, enhance working conditions for staff and regional league personnel, and expand accommodation capacity at the technical center. With a total cost of nearly USD 4.2 million, the project is fully funded by FIFA Forward and will take at least 12 months to complete.
Launched in 2016 during President Gianni Infantino’s election, the FIFA Forward program aims to fairly redistribute FIFA’s revenues to its 211 member associations. It is the world’s largest sports development program. In line with its strategy to make football truly global, FIFA plans to invest a record USD 5 billion in football by the end of 2026.
The mini-pitch inauguration ceremony will be attended by Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Director of Member Associations; Gelson Fernandes, Deputy Director and Regional Director for Africa; FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou; Secretary General Mahamane Oumarou Moulaye; two ministers; the governor of Niamey region; the city’s delegated administrator; several ministry officials; and other guests.
Gianni Infantino congratulates FENIFOOT on its commitment:
“Congratulations to the Nigerien Football Federation. You are part of our Starting 11 the first 11 countries to officially inaugurate their own FIFA Arena mini-pitches. You are contributing to a project capable of changing the lives of millions of children.”
Issaka Adamou, FENIFOOT President:
“When football becomes an educational tool, it’s a whole country preparing its youth’s future. Niger is committed to inclusive, dynamic, and civic-minded schooling through the power of sport. Integrating football into schools to strengthen civic education, social inclusion, and youth development through sport allows Niger to take a major step forward with FIFA for grassroots education and football.”
Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer : “I’m delighted to see Nigerien youth inaugurate these FIFA Arena mini pitches today. These brand-new spaces offer Niamey’s children a safe and inspiring environment to play and grow through football. Niger holds a special place in the global football community, and I’m convinced that among today’s young players, some will follow in the footsteps of Africa’s football legends. These pitches are not just playing surfaces they’re platforms where dreams take flight. On behalf of FIFA, I wish every young Nigerien success on and off the pitch. We’re proud to stand with FENIFOOT to create even more opportunities for the future.”
Gelson Fernandes, Deputy CMAO and FIFA Regional Director for Africa:
“The FIFA Forward program is tangibly transforming football in all FIFA member countries. Here in Niger, the new FENIFOOT headquarters and mini pitches in Niamey illustrate our commitment to making football truly global, inclusive, and sustainable by investing in infrastructure that strengthen the football landscape. This is the heart of our mission, and I thank FENIFOOT for this collaboration that will support the development of Nigerien and African football.”
The FIFA Arena project is part of a global initiative to install mini-pitches worldwide, in line with the commitment made by the FIFA President at the Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris in July 2024. The project supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by offering more play opportunities to children, especially in disadvantaged urban and rural areas.
“The Starting Eleven”: Eleven pilot countries were selected to launch FIFA Arena named after the starting eleven in a football match. Among them: Georgia, Thailand, Paraguay. In Africa, Algeria was the first to benefit, with two mini-pitches in the capital, followed by Liberia. Niger is the third African country to implement them, enabling thousands of children to benefit.
The project is being rolled out globally with the goal of installing at least 1,000 new mini pitches by 2031.
