Niger has taken a decisive step in shaping the future of its youth and national football by joining FIFA’s elite “Starting Eleven” countries to launch proximity pitches, modern, eco-friendly mini-pitches known as FIFA Arenas. Two of these state-of-the-art facilities were inaugurated at CES 22 Talladje and CES 9 Harobanda primary schools in Niamey, offering a safe and inspiring environment for children to play, learn, and grow through sport.
Designed to empower communities, these pitches are expected to benefit more than 10,000 young people directly, fostering inclusion, teamwork, and personal development. Beyond the game itself, the FIFA Arena project promotes education, equality, and social cohesion—values that resonate deeply in Niger’s grassroots football landscape. As part of FIFA’s global mission to support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the initiative contributes to the target of installing at least 1,000 mini-pitches worldwide by 2031.
Complementing this community-focused drive, Niger’s football federation, FENIFOOT, is also marking a major milestone with the construction of its new six-story headquarters in Niamey. Fully funded by the FIFA Forward program, this USD 4.2 million facility will serve as the operational heart of football in Niger, providing modern offices, improved working conditions, and expanded accommodation at the technical center, ushering in a new era of professionalism and development.
The FIFA Forward program, launched in 2016, represents the largest global investment in football development. With a record USD 5 billion earmarked for reinvestment by 2026, the initiative aims to ensure that every one of FIFA’s 211 member associations can grow sustainably and equitably. FIFA officials, including Elkhan Mammadov and Gelson Fernandes, lauded FENIFOOT’s leadership for turning these opportunities into lasting progress on and off the pitch.
FENIFOOT President Issaka Adamou and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, reaffirmed Niger’s vision of football as a driver of education, civic engagement, and social unity. “This is more than infrastructure, it’s an investment in our youth and our future,” he declared. With these landmark projects, Niger is not only nurturing the next generation of footballers but also building the foundations for national pride and community transformation through the beautiful game.
