Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies have reportedly opened investigations into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the handling of a ₦12 billion intervention fund that the Federal Government released to settle long-overdue player bonuses.
The funds were disbursed in January 2024 specifically to clear outstanding bonuses owed to players across various national teams, payments that had been withheld for more than 15 months.
According to a report by Sahara Reporters, two anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC), are looking into how the money was managed after the failure of the nation’s 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.
Meanwhile, NFF officials were on Thursday 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 officially responded to the reported investigations or the summons to the presidential villa.
