New era for Niger football as FIFA opens two mini-pitches

Niger Republic witnessed historic moment in its football history after global soccer governing body; FIFA inaugurated two mini-pitches as part of the FIFA Arenas project.

The two pitches situated at the CES 22 Talladje and CES 9 Harobanda primary school, both in the capital Niamey, ensures Niger becomes one of the 11 Member Associations to benefit from the initiative which has one of key projects under the FIFA Forward program.

The ultramodern sustainable facilities will provide students with a safe and inspiring space to hone their football skills, giving a ray of hope to about 10000 youth in communities within the two schools. The project is expected to impact positively and allowing youth from surrounding communities to play football ideal conditions, promoting social inclusion, personal growth, and passion for sport.

FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has cited the project as a watershed moment for football development in the West African country.

“Congratulations to the Nigerien Football Federation (FENIFOOT). 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,” Infantino said.

His declaration was echoed by Issaka Adamou, FENIFOOT President who said the landmark project would mark a new chapter for grassroots football development in the country.

Elkhan Mammadov, FIFA Chief Member Association Officer who remarked “I’m delighted to see Nigerien youth inaugurate these FIFA Arena mini pitches today, shared similar views. These brand-new spaces offer Niamey’s children a safe and inspiring environment to play and grow through football.

The FIFA Arena project is part of a global initiative to build mini-pitches worldwide, in line with the commitment made by the FIFA President Infantino 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. In Africa, Niger is the third Africa country to benefit from the initiative after Algeria and recently, Liberia.