The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is facing renewed scrutiny over the utilization of a Federal Government intervention fund released to clear outstanding wages, allowances, and bonuses owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) are investigating the fund, according to the NFF.
The development came to light after the federation responded to a Freedom of Information request seeking financial records and utilization details. In a letter dated August 18, the NFF said the requested documents were already with the two anti-graft agencies as part of an ongoing investigation.
The intervention was initially approved at ₦12 billion in 2024 but was later increased to ₦17 billion because of foreign-exchange variations, according to former Sports Minister John Enoh. The money was intended to clear outstanding payments owed to players, coaches, and officials of the national teams.
The investigation comes amid growing criticism of the NFF over Nigeria’s declining football fortunes. The Super Falcons recently failed to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time since the tournament began in 1991.
Nigeria lost 1–0 to Cameroon in the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals before suffering a 2–1 defeat to South Africa in the subsequent World Cup qualification playoff.
The NFF has since established a six-member fact-finding committee to investigate the poor performances of the national teams, particularly the Super Falcons’ failure to qualify for the World Cup.
The federation’s leadership under President Ibrahim Gusau is also facing mounting pressure over the recent setbacks and calls for greater accountability.
Meanwhile, allegations of further investigations involving NFF officials, including reports of DSS involvement, have emerged. However, the DSS’s specific role in the ₦17 billion fund investigation has not been independently confirmed by official sources.
The financial investigation and the national teams’ recent failures have intensified calls for reforms and greater transparency in the administration of Nigerian football.
