FIFA and FENIFOOT pave the way for Niger’s football future with new mini-pitches and modern headquarters

FIFA has taken another bold step in energizing Nigerien football through the installation of two new FIFA Arenas (mini-pitches) at CES 22 Talladje and CES 9 Harobanda primary school in Niamey, alongside ongoing progress on the Niger Football Federation’s (FENIFOOT) new six-storey headquarters — all supported by the FIFA Forward programme.

These modern, sustainable mini-pitches make Niger one of the first 11 countries globally to launch FIFA proximity pitches under the new FIFA Arena initiative. Designed to foster youth participation and social inclusion, the facilities offer a safe and inspiring environment where around 10,000 young people from nearby communities can enjoy and develop through football.

“When football becomes an educational tool, it’s a whole country preparing its youth’s future,” said FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou. “Through FIFA’s support, Niger is integrating sport into education to promote civic values, inclusion, and youth empowerment.”

In parallel, the construction of FENIFOOT’s state-of-the-art headquarters — fully funded by FIFA Forward at a cost of nearly USD 4.2 million — continues to mark a historic milestone for Nigerien football. Once completed, the new facility will provide a professional environment for football administration, enhance working conditions for staff, and expand accommodation at the technical centre. The project is expected to take at least 12 months to complete.

Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Associations Officer, hailed the development:

“These new FIFA Arena mini-pitches are more than playing surfaces — they are platforms where dreams take flight. Niger holds a special place in the football community, and we are proud to help create opportunities for its youth to grow and succeed.”

Gelson Fernandes, FIFA Deputy CMAO and Regional Director for Africa, added:

“The FIFA Forward programme continues to transform football globally. Here in Niger, the new headquarters and mini-pitches illustrate FIFA’s commitment to making the game more inclusive, sustainable, and truly global.”

The inauguration ceremony for the new mini-pitches will feature distinguished guests including Elkhan Mammadov, Gelson Fernandes, FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou, Secretary General Mahamane Oumarou Moulaye, government ministers, and officials from the Niamey regional administration.

In his congratulatory message, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said:

“Congratulations to the Nigerien Football Federation. You are part of our ‘Starting 11’ — the first countries to inaugurate FIFA Arena mini-pitches. You are contributing to a project capable of changing millions of children’s lives.”

Launched in 2016 under President Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Forward programme aims to ensure fair and strategic redistribution of FIFA revenues to its 211 member associations, making it the largest sports development initiative in the world. FIFA plans to invest a record USD 5 billion into football development by the end of 2026.

The FIFA Arena project aligns with FIFA’s commitment made at the 2024 Sustainable Sport Summit in Paris, supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by increasing access to football in disadvantaged areas. Niger joins Algeria and Liberia as the first African nations to benefit, as FIFA targets 1,000 new mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.

Together, FIFA and FENIFOOT are not just building infrastructure — they are building dreams, nurturing a generation that will carry the spirit of football and education into Niger’s bright future.

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