Reps to probe NFF over alleged mismanagement of grants
The House of Representatives of Nigeria has resolved to launch a formal investigation into the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over alleged mis-management of development grants amounting to US$25 million received from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
The motion, titled “Need to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” was presented by Hon. Adedayo Adesola (Lagos APC) and co-sponsored by Hon. Felix Nwaeke (Rivers PDP). The motion claims that despite the large influx of development funds, there has been little visible infrastructure or measurable improvement in Nigerian football.
Key accusations include a 2016 audit query from FIFA in which US$1.1 million was challenged, of which US$802,000 was reportedly undocumented. Also cited was the alleged use of US$1.2 million for the construction of a stadium in Birnin Kebbi that purportedly did not meet the standard commensurate with the amount spent.
The House has therefore resolved to form a special investigative committee to examine the NFF’s finances from 2015 to the present day. This committee is empowered to summon current and former NFF officials and require full documentation of all receipts, disbursements and project executions associated with the grants from FIFA and CAF.
The investigation comes at a time of growing public discontent over Nigeria’s national team performances and concerns that funds intended for development may have been diverted or poorly managed.
