Reps Launch Probe into NFF’s Alleged Mismanagement of $25m FIFA, CAF Grants

The House of Representatives has resolved to establish a special investigative committee to probe the financial grants totaling $25 million received by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) from FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

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

Titled “Motion to Stop Further Misuse of FIFA and CAF Grants by the Nigerian Football Federation,” Adesola decried the alleged mismanagement of development grants, which he said has contributed to Nigeria’s poor performances in recent international football tournaments.

Adesola cited comments by former Super Eagles captain, Sunday Oliseh, who recently accused the NFF of misappropriating funds meant for football development, including the $1 million FIFA released for Nigeria’s 2002 World Cup preparations.

According to records, the NFF allegedly received over $25 million in development funds from FIFA and CAF between 2015 and 2025.

Adesola further recalled that in December 2016, FIFA raised an audit query over the mishandling of a $1.1 million development grant, noting that $802,000 lacked proper documentation. The issue prompted then Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, to order an independent audit of the federation’s finances.

He also referenced previous corruption allegations involving top NFF officials, including former President Amaju Pinnick, who were investigated by the EFCC and ICPC between 2018 and 2019 for alleged financial mismanagement.

One controversial case, he noted, involves $1.2 million reportedly spent on constructing a mini-stadium in Birnin Kebbi, which a physical inspection revealed to be of substandard quality, failing to justify the stated expenditure.

Adesola warned that with the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup playoffs, decisive steps must be taken to prevent further misuse of public and international funds by NFF officials.

The motion received unanimous support during the session presided over by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, and the House subsequently directed the special committee to investigate all NFF finances from 2015 to date.

The NFF leadership is also to be invited to appear before the committee and present detailed records of all receipts and expenditures related to the grants.