The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that its investigation into the Federal Government's N12 billion intervention fund will proceed, irrespective of the recent mass resignation of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) officials.
EFCC Confirms Probe Will Continue
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told journalists on Friday that the inquiry would not be derailed by the leadership changes at the football body. Some NFF officials linked to the matter had already been invited by investigators and had provided statements, with a source previously disclosing that certain officials remained on administrative bail pending the outcome of the probe.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is also jointly investigating the matter. The N12 billion fund was approved in 2024 to settle outstanding salaries, allowances and bonuses owed to Nigeria's national teams and coaching staff. Despite the release of these funds, complaints over unpaid entitlements persisted across several national teams.
Controversy Over Fund Disbursement
The controversy deepened after the NFF turned down a Freedom of Information request for documents on how the money was used, saying the records were already in the possession of the EFCC and ICPC.
On Thursday, NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau resigned alongside General Secretary Mohammed Sanusi and other members of the Executive Committee, having spent three years and 11 months in office. He had 34 days left on his four-year term when he stepped down. Gusau was first elected NFF president on September 30, 2022, in Benin City, Edo State.
Gusau Defends Record on His Way Out
At a press conference in Abuja, Gusau said the decision followed consultations with family, friends and stakeholders, and was taken in the best interests of Nigerian football. He defended his time at the helm, pointing to coaching education reforms, greater stability in the Nigeria Premier Football League calendar, improved refereeing standards in continental competitions and the development of a 68-room players' hostel and training pitches at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. He also noted that a long-awaited CAF A Licence course was set to begin in September.
On the international stage, Gusau highlighted the Super Eagles' silver and bronze medals at recent Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and the Super Falcons' triumph at the 2025 Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Pressure Mounts Over World Cup Failures
However, his tenure ended under significant pressure. The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Super Falcons missed out on the 2027 Women's World Cup in what would be Nigeria's first absence from the tournament since it began, and the Flying Eagles also failed to secure a place at the next Africa U-20 Cup of Nations. The EFCC and ICPC investigation remains ongoing, with officials on administrative bail expected to cooperate as the probe continues.
