Nigeria’s House of Representatives has initiated a formal investigation into how the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) handled grants totaling $25 million received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The move follows a motion of urgent public importance raised by Lagos lawmaker Adedayo Adesola and his Rivers State counterpart Felix Nwaeke, who expressed concern over the alleged mismanagement of development funds meant to improve Nigerian football.
Adesola said the alleged misuse of FIFA and CAF grants has significantly contributed to the poor performances of the country’s national teams in recent years.
He recalled that in 2016, FIFA flagged the NFF over questionable use of a $1.1 million development grant, noting that $802,000 lacked proper documentation.
This prompted then-Sports Minister Solomon Dalung to demand a full audit of the federation’s accounts.
“The House notes that between 2018 and 2019, NFF officials (including the then President, Amaju Pinnick) faced public criticism and were subject to EFCC and ICPC probes and court actions tied to alleged mismanagement of various funds and sponsorship,” Adesola stated.
He also questioned the NFF’s reported use of $1.2 million to construct a stadium in Birnin Kebbi, describing the project as “substandard” and unworthy of the amount spent.
“The Kenyan Football Federation used the same amount of grant to develop a standard and well-equipped facility, to further raise eyebrows on the profligacy in NFF,” he added.
The motion received unanimous support from lawmakers, with Speaker Tajudeen Abbas directing the creation of a special investigative committee to review the NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.
The NFF leadership will also be summoned to present all relevant financial documents for scrutiny.
This parliamentary probe comes at a crucial time as the Super Eagles prepare for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, with many Nigerians demanding greater transparency and accountability in football administration.
