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Nigerian lawmakers demand full probe into alleged displacement of FIFA, CAF funds by NFF

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The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is currently having its tracks trailed over claims circulating on social media suggesting it misappropriated funds received from FIFA and CAF, Soccernet.ng reports.

Over the past few months, it has become evident that Nigerian football has tanked across all levels, bar the Super Falcons.

The Nigerian male and female youth teams have struggled. Even the Super Eagles needed a last game to redeem their chances of qualifying for the FIFA World Cup, and now, the U-17 female team have been knocked out of the World Cup at the group stage.

FIFA, CAF, and the Federal Government of Nigeria have pumped money into Nigerian Football over the past decade for the development of facilities and recruitment of talent, but the effects of these actions have largely gone under the radar.

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The NFF came out to debunk the statements made, claiming the funds they were given have been put to proper use for ‘specific purposes’.

Their official response also read: Every stage is verified, assessed and sanctioned before further monies are released to the FIFA-approved consultants, to whom the monies are paid directly.

Ibrahim Musa Gusau, NFF President, during the Men’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers match between Rwanda and Nigeria at Amahoro Stadium on March 21, 2025, in Rwanda. Photo by ImagoxKabiru Abubakar

Federal Lawmakers demand a full probe into NFF

It now appears that the Football Federation have caught the eye of the Nigerian legislative body.

The House of Representatives has now resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of financial grants totalling $25 million allegedly received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

The hearing was led by Adedayo Olumuyiwa, who currently serves as the Federal Representative representing Apapa constituency in the 10th National Assembly.

Rasheedat Ajibade and Chioma Okafor of Super Falcons celebrate WAFCON title with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau
Rasheedat Ajibade and Chioma Okafor of Super Falcons celebrate WAFCON title with NFF President Ibrahim Gusau [Photo credit/IMAGO]

“We have to further recall that between 2015 and 2025, NFF allegedly received developmental funds in excess of $25m from FIFA and CAF with nothing tangible on ground to justify the humongous capital inflow.

“Further recall that in December 2016, FIFA sent an audit query to NFF over the misappropriation of $1.1m development grant.

“It was also reported that $802,000 lacked proper documentation,” the 71-year-old told the House.

Amaju Pinnick, President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) welcomes Gianni Infantino, President of Federation of International Football Associations in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, July 24, 2016
Amaju Pinnick, President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) welcomes Gianni Infantino, President of the Federation of International Football Associations, in Abuja, capital of Nigeria, July 24, 2016. [Photo Credit/ Imago].

“The house, therefore, resolves to set up a special investigative committee to look into the activities and the account of the Nigerian Football Federation from 2015 to date.

“Then, invite the leadership of NFF, both past and present, to appear before the special investigative committee with records of activities, receipts and disbursements from 2015 to date,” he concluded.

It remains to be seen whether official proceedings will follow here on in, as Nigerians clamour for financial accountability with the governing body of Football in the country.