The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) over the alleged misappropriation of more than $25 million in development grants received from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) between 2015 and 2025.
According to Daily Post, the decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Tuesday’s plenary, co-sponsored by Adedayo Adesola (Lagos) and Felix Nwaeke (Rivers).
The motion, titled “Need to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” noted that the alleged mismanagement of funds from international football bodies has contributed to the poor performance of Nigeria’s national teams in recent years.
Adesola stated that despite receiving millions of dollars in development grants, the NFF failed to make proper investments in football infrastructure and development. He recalled that in December 2016, FIFA queried the NFF over the handling of a $1.1 million grant, with $802,000 reportedly unaccounted for. The then Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, subsequently ordered an independent audit.
The lawmaker also cited previous investigations by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) into allegations of financial mismanagement and sponsorship fraud involving NFF officials.
Adesola further alleged that $1.2 million allocated for the construction of the Birnin Kebbi Stadium was misused, claiming the completed facility was substandard and did not reflect the reported expenditure.
“With the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers fast approaching, there is a pressing need to take decisive action against the continued misuse of football funds,” Adesola said.
Presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House unanimously resolved to establish a special investigative committee to audit the NFF’s finances from 2015 to date.
The NFF leadership is also to appear before the committee with records of all grants received and expenditures made within the period under review.
