Reps to probe NFF over $25m FIFA grants
The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over alleged misappropriation of more than $25 million in development grants received from the world football governing body, FIFA, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
The decision followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Adedayo Adesola and co-sponsored by Nwaeke Uche during Tuesday’s plenary.
Moving the motion, Adesola referenced recent comments by former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, who accused the NFF of undermining Nigerian football through corruption and mismanagement of FIFA and CAF funds.
Oliseh cited the handling of $1 million disbursed by FIFA to prepare the Super Eagles for the 2002 World Cup as an example of systemic rot within the football body.
The lawmaker recalled that between 2015 and 2025, the NFF allegedly received over $25 million in grants from FIFA and CAF but had little to show for the substantial inflows.
He noted that in 2016, FIFA issued an audit query to the NFF over the handling of a $1.1 million development grant, revealing that $802,000 was not properly accounted for. This led to a directive by then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, for an independent audit of the federation’s accounts.
Adesola also reminded the House that several NFF officials, including former President Amaju Pinnick, were subjects of investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) between 2018 and 2019 over alleged diversion of funds and sponsorship monies.
He cited a recent viral report alleging that the NFF used $1.2 million meant for football development to construct the Birnin Kebbi Stadium. According to him, physical inspection of the facility revealed it was substandard and failed to justify the expenditure. He compared it to Kenya, which reportedly used a similar amount to build a standard, fully equipped facility.
The lawmaker expressed concern that continued mismanagement within the NFF could undermine Nigeria’s preparations for upcoming continental and global football tournaments, including the Africa Cup of Nations and the World Cup qualifiers.
“There is an urgent need to halt further misuse of FIFA and CAF grants by the NFF leadership and ensure transparency in the management of football development funds,” Adesola said.
Read also: Reps advance bill to establish fintech regulatory commission
Adopting the motion, the House resolved to set up a special investigative committee to examine the activities, accounts, receipts, and disbursements of the NFF from 2015 to date.
The committee is also mandated to invite the NFF leadership to provide records of all financial transactions within the period.
The House further resolved to take additional measures aimed at enhancing transparency and accountability within the federation to restore both national and international confidence in Nigeria’s football administration.
