NFF faces EFCC, ICPC probe over N12bn fund
The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) led by Ibrahim Gusau is currently being probed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over the utilisation of a N12 billion Federal Government intervention fund.
The anti-graft agencies have both launched a concurrent investigation into the utilisation of the intervention fund released by the Federal government to the NFF meant for outstanding player’s wages, bonuses and other national-team obligations.
The investigation was confirmed by the NFF in a letter with reference number NFF/LEG/10/1/879 and titled, “Re: Application for disclosure of financial records and utilisation logs regarding the N12 billion Federal Government Intervention Fund released for players’ wages and bonuses,” dated August 18, in which it stated that all documents relating to the intervention fund are currently with the two anti-corruption agencies for scrutiny.
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This development comes after the NFF was reportedly given 24 hours to resign by the National Sports Commission (NSC) following a series of concerns over the administration of Nigerian football.
The move comes amid growing criticism over the abysmal performances of Nigeria’s national teams, including the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the Super Falcons’ historic failure to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
It also comes days after the NFF sacked Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu along with his entire technical crew over the failure of the female national team to qualify for the Women’s World Cup taking place next year in Brazil.
The decision to sack Madugu and his technical crew was announced on Tuesday by the NFF Executive Committee following a string of highly disappointing tournament outcomes in recent times.
