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

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged mismanagement of $25 million in financial grants received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (APC, Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (PDP, Rivers) during plenary on Tuesday.

Moving the motion titled “Need to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” Adesola expressed concern that the alleged misappropriation of development funds had contributed to Nigeria’s declining performance in international football competitions.

He recalled that former Super Eagles captain Sunday Oliseh had recently accused the NFF of frustrating the growth of Nigerian football by diverting FIFA and CAF grants.

According to him, between 2015 and 2025, the NFF received more than $25 million from the global and continental football bodies, without any corresponding development in football infrastructure or administration.

The lawmaker further cited a 2016 audit query from FIFA regarding the alleged mismanagement of $1.1 million in development funds, of which $802,000 was reportedly undocumented.

He noted that the development prompted then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit of NFF’s finances.

Adesola added that between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials, including former President Amaju Pinnick, faced investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged financial impropriety.

“One of such grants, $1.2 million, which the NFF claimed was used to construct the Birnin Kebbi Stadium, is currently trending on social media. But a physical inspection of the facility revealed it to be substandard and not commensurate with the amount reportedly expended,” he said.

He observed that a similar grant in Kenya was used to develop a standard and well-equipped stadium, raising questions about financial accountability in the NFF.

With the 2025 African Cup of Nations and the World Cup play-offs approaching, Adesola urged the House to act decisively to prevent further misuse of public and donor funds.

Following deliberations, the House, presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, unanimously resolved to constitute a special committee to probe NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.

The Federation’s leadership is also to appear before the committee with documents showing receipts and expenditures of all grants received from FIFA and CAF.