FIFA is strengthening football development in Niger through the construction of two new mini-pitches and the ongoing development of the Niger Football Federation’s (FENIFOOT) new headquarters, both funded under the FIFA Forward program.
The two modern, sustainable school pitches have been installed at CES 22 Talladje and CES 9 Harobanda primary school in Niamey, making Niger one of the first 11 countries in the world to launch FIFA proximity pitches under the FIFA Arenas initiative.
These facilities aim to provide safe, inclusive, and inspiring spaces for young people to play football.
Considering the schools and nearby communities, around 10,000 young people are expected to directly benefit from the project, which promotes social inclusion, personal growth, and passion for sport.
Meanwhile, construction work on FENIFOOT’s new six-storey headquarters is progressing steadily.
The landmark facility, also financed entirely by the FIFA Forward program at a cost of USD 4.2 million, represents a historic milestone for Nigerien football.
It is designed to provide a professional environment for football administration, enhance working conditions for staff and regional league personnel, and expand accommodation at the national technical center.
The FIFA Forward program, launched in 2016 under President Gianni Infantino, is the world’s largest sports development initiative.
It seeks to fairly redistribute FIFA’s revenues to its 211 member associations. FIFA plans to invest a record USD 5 billion in football worldwide by the end of 2026 as part of its commitment to make football truly global.
The inauguration ceremony of the mini-pitches in Niamey brought together key dignitaries, including FIFA Director of Member Associations - Elkhan Mammadov, Niko Nhouvannasak - Team Lead FIFA Arena, Fatou Camara - Member Associations Development Manager, FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou, Secretary General Mahamane Oumarou Moulaye, government ministers, and local authorities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino commended Niger’s progress, saying:
“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.”
FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou emphasized the social and educational value of the initiative:
“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.”
FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer Elkhan Mammadov also praised the development:
“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.”
FIFA Deputy CMAO and Regional Director for Africa Gelson Fernandes highlighted the broader vision behind the project:
“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 strengthens 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 was first introduced by Gianni Infantino at the Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris in July 2024.
It supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by creating more play opportunities for children, particularly in disadvantaged urban and rural areas.
The “Starting Eleven” pilot nations for the FIFA Arena initiative include Georgia, Thailand, and Paraguay, with Algeria and Liberia being the first African countries to benefit before Niger. The program aims to install at least 1,000 new mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.
With these initiatives, FIFA and FENIFOOT are laying a strong foundation for the next generation of Nigerien footballers - and reaffirming the power of football as a tool for education, inclusion, and lasting social impact.
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