Reps to probe NFF over alleged mismanagement of $25m FIFA, CAF grants

House of Representatives to Investigate NFF Over Alleged Mismanagement of $25 Million FIFA and CAF Grants

The Nigerian House of Representatives has launched a formal investigation into the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) following allegations of financial mismanagement involving over $25 million in development grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.

This decision was reached during a plenary session held on Tuesday, where a motion of urgent public importance was co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola, a lawmaker from Lagos, and Felix Nwaeke from Rivers State.

Adesola, in his presentation, emphasized that the alleged misuse of these funds has significantly contributed to the poor performance of Nigeria’s national football teams in recent years. He pointed out that despite receiving substantial financial support intended for football development, the NFF failed to invest the money appropriately. This mismanagement, according to him, has undermined the growth and competitiveness of Nigerian football on the international stage.

The motion referenced several past incidents that raised concerns about the NFF’s financial practices. Notably, in December 2016, FIFA queried the NFF over the handling of a $1.1 million grant, revealing that $802,000 was unaccounted for. This led to the then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, ordering an independent audit of the funds.

Adesola also cited previous investigations by Nigeria’s anti-corruption agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), into NFF officials over allegations of sponsorship fraud and financial mismanagement.

One particularly troubling example mentioned was the alleged misuse of $1.2 million earmarked for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium. Adesola claimed that the completed stadium was substandard and did not reflect the amount reportedly spent on its development.

With major tournaments such as the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers approaching, Adesola stressed the urgency of addressing these financial irregularities to prevent further decline in Nigeria’s football fortunes. In response, the House, under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously agreed to establish a special investigative committee. This committee is tasked with auditing the NFF’s finances from 2015 to the present and has been directed to summon the NFF leadership to present records of all grants received and expenditures made during the period under review.