Two anti-corruption agencies are reportedly investigating the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the management of a ₦12 billion intervention fund that the federal government released in January 2024 to clear long-overdue bonuses owed to players across various national teams. The payments had been withheld for more than 15 months.
Anti-Graft Agencies Open Investigation into NFF Fund Management
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) are looking into how the money was managed after the failure of the national teams. The investigation adds to a difficult period for the NFF board, led by president Ibrahim Gusau. Nigerian football fans have grown increasingly vocal in calling for the board to step down following a string of poor performances by the national teams.
The Super Eagles failed to qualify for the last two consecutive FIFA World Cups, while the Super Falcons suffered a disappointing run at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations and subsequently missed out on a place at the Women's World Cup.
NFF Officials Summoned to Aso Villa Amid Calls for Resignation
A separate report by OwnGoal Nigeria claimed that NFF officials were summoned to the presidential villa in Abuja, where calls for their voluntary resignation were raised. Adding further uncertainty to the federation's future, the National Sports Commission has reportedly put on hold a planned NFF election that was scheduled for September. The decision to suspend the electoral process comes at a time when stakeholders are questioning the direction of Nigerian football administration at all levels.
The NFF has not publicly addressed the reported investigations or the summons to the presidential villa.
NFF Sets Up Fact-Finding Committee to Probe National Team Failures
Legit.ng previously reported that the NFF set up a fact-finding committee to investigate the failure of Nigerian national teams at major competitions. The six-member committee was established after the Super Falcons of Nigeria failed to qualify for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027 in Brazil. The investigation by the EFCC and ICPC into the ₦12 billion intervention fund adds to the mounting pressure on the Gusau-led board to resign.
