Leading sports infrastructure firm, Monimichelle Sports, has raised an alarm over the growing trend of constructing artificial football pitches in Nigeria using black SBR rubber infill—a material derived from recycled car tires known to emit carcinogenic fumes when exposed to high temperatures.
In a strongly worded statement, Monimichelle Sports questioned the rationale behind installing such pitches without sprinkler systems, particularly in Nigeria’s intense tropical climate where surface temperatures on synthetic turf can soar to dangerous levels.
“We are deeply concerned about the health implications of these pitches for Nigerian athletes, especially children. It is unacceptable to prioritize cost-cutting over safety,” said the company’s founder and CEO.
Monimichelle Sports, a FIFA-certified contractor, emphasized that the use of SBR rubber infill is not mandatory under FIFA projects. According to the firm, national federations can opt for safer, 100% natural, biodegradable, eco-friendly plant-based infill, which has been extensively tested and certified in FIFA labs.
The company also decried the role of corrupt sports administrators in undermining quality projects.
“The practice of administrators pushing proxy companies with no technical expertise has severely harmed the development of football infrastructure in Nigeria,” the statement continued. “These individuals often manipulate their access to political leaders and FIFA funds to favor substandard, unsafe construction.”
Monimichelle revealed that during a meeting with NFF officials and FIFA representatives, including Austin Eguavoen and Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, the firm insisted on using only eco-safe materials for the ongoing FIFA pitch project in Ogborodo.
“We could have earned massive profits by using the cheaper black rubber option. But our conscience would not allow it. We believe safety must never be compromised.”
The company rejected any pressure to replicate the pitch model used in Kebbi, where rubber infill was deployed without sprinklers, saying it would not contribute to projects that endanger lives.
“We are contractors with conscience. While we may not be able to uproot corruption in sports entirely, we will not compromise on the safety and quality of our work,” the statement concluded.
Monimichelle Sports reaffirmed its commitment to upholding best practices in sports infrastructure and called on the Nigeria Football Federation and other stakeholders to prioritize athlete safety over profit margins.
Speaking to Niger Delta Herald Mr. Ebi Egbe the group CEO emphasized that he is not going tarnish his reputation because of pecuniary gains.
He said his firm is currently involved in construction of sports facilities across the country and Abroad.
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